- By Running To Places Theater
- Entertainment
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If you thought you knew the story of "The Princess and The Pea," you're in for a walloping surprise in Running to Places production of 'Once Upon A Mattress'. "We have over fifty of the most dynamic high school performers representing every single school district in Tompkins County!" says Director Joey Steinhagen. This musical fractured fairy tale, the opener to the 2009 Running to Places season, is coming to Ithaca High School's Kulp Auditorium. Side-splitting comedy, romantic melodies, and exuberant dances guarantee a boisterous good time for the whole family.
 (from left) Cole Tucker as King Sextimus the Silent, Emily Goodell as Princess Winnifred, Geoff Peterson as Prince Dauntless, Shauna Belokur as Queen Aggravain |
Director Joey Steinhagen, Music Director Ross Mizrahi, Choreographer Todd Peterson, and Producer Gail Belokur have collaborated with Matthew Mills (Technical Director), Travis Jones (Scenic Design), Eric Yaple (Lighting Design), Alexander Woodward (Costume Design) and Isaac Derfel (Sound Design) for this sure-to-please production. The production team combines talent from high school, Ithaca College's theatre program, and the professional world, with younger artists receiving mentoring in keeping with Running to Places' mission.
"Last year was the initial season of Running to Places, and was a tremendous success," says Steinhagen. "Thousands of people from across our community came to Dryden, Ithaca, Lansing, and Newfield to see over 120 middle and high school performers." Running to Places was created so that young artists who might never have had the chance to meet could work together and build friendships for a lifetime.
The company's name comes both from the theatrical term when the stage manager calls the cast to begin the show and from the intentionally nomadic nature of the company. Rehearsals and performances are held at various locations around the county to emphasize the company's inclusive nature. Says Steinhagen: "Participation is open to any middle or high schooler – free of any mandatory fees." Performances of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS run January 9-18 at Ithaca High School's Kulp Auditorium, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00pm, Sundays at 2:00pm.
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