HYT continues season with 'Once Upon a Mattress'

Heights Youth Theatre (HYT), now in it's 64th year, starts 2018 off with an entertaining and meaningful musical, "Once Upon a Mattress." The production, which will be performed at Heights Middle School in University Heights, opens on Friday, Jan. 19, and closes on Sunday, Jan. 28.

The show is directed by Eugene Sumlin, music-directed by Stacy Bolton and stage-managed by Jack Ina. Included in the cast are 50 actors in grades 1-12. The lead cast includes Cleveland Heights residents Spencer Skok as Prince Dauntless, Charlie Proctor as the Minstrel, Julien Benchek as the Wizard, and Victoria Skok as Lady Larken. They are joined by Grace Wilkinson as Winifred, Keegan Polatz as Henry, Olivia Rood as Queen Aggravain, Brian Tuohey as King Sextimus the Silent, and Grace Hoy as the Jester.

“'Once Upon A Mattress' is a wonderful retelling of the classic children's story of the princess and the pea," said Sumlin. "Debuting on Broadway in 1959, it introduced the world to the comic legend Carol Burnett. It is a story that teaches us that beauty is skin deep, and how to find your voice. With a strong female character leading the way, it is a hilarious romp that the whole family will enjoy.”

Performances will be presented in the school's auditorium (2181 Miramar Blvd.) on Friday, Jan. 19 and 26, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 20 and 27, at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 21 and 28, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission, and $9 for seniors and children under 6. The box office opens 45 minutes prior to each show. For more information, visit www.heightsyouththeatre.org. For group seating information, call 216-410-7500.

Pamela Fine

Pamela Fine is executive director of Heights Youth Theatre.

Read More on A & E News
Volume 11, Issue 1, Posted 10:04 AM, 01.03.2018