OAT closes season 38 with charming ‘Once Upon a Mattress’

Rolla, MO OAT’s ‘once upon a time’ themed professional summer season will close with the ever-popular title Once Upon a Mattress. The musical was penned and opened in 1959 alongside such hits as Gypsy and The Sound of Music and this musical has landed in the canon of famed musicals from Broadway’s Golden Age. This princess and the pea story was the piece that launched Carol Burnett’s career and OAT could not be happier about bringing this beloved musical to their stage. 
 
Directed by OAT’s Producing Artistic Director Blane Pressler, this piece is certain to be a hilarious romp. Pressler directed last year’s production of CLUE on stage and is pleased to tackle another popular comedy. Pressler said, “This show has so much heart and so much humor. For being a piece written in the 50s the comedy absolutely stands on its own even in 2025. It’s a silly fairytale. It’s a love story. It’s slapstick. It’s clever. It does everything that we want musical theatre to do.” 
 
OAT is pleased to have their Technical Director, Will Higley bringing his debut Scenic Design to the OAT stage after he worked on the sets for Dead Outlaw, Othello, and Smash all on Broadway. Award winning Lighting Designer Michael Sullivan returns as well as Sound Designer Jim Archuleta. Matthew Hampton, who worked on teams of Broadway’s Water for Elephants as well as A list national tours like Mean Girls, continues with OAT after his work on Peter and the Starcatcher. Evan Wittstock has been with the company all summer on Wigs and Properties Design. Wittstock’s previous wig work was seen on Broadway with Peter Pan Goes Wrong. This production will feature professional actors from New York City and Chicago alongside a stellar cast of local actors. As always, OAT prides itself on the unique blend of seasoned professionals and local talents coming together every summer to create quality art in rural Missouri and this summer and show are no exception. 
 
Once Upon a Mattress is sponsored by Phelps County Bank and Brewer Science. Running July 31-August 10, tickets may be purchased by phone (573-364-9523) or online at ozarkactorstheatre.org