This new version of “Once Upon a Mattress” that Broadway chestnut from 1959 that originally featured Carol Burnett as Princess Winnifred ( she also appeared in the 1964 and 1972 television versions) reappears for the holidays with Burnett as executive producer and in the role of Queen Aggravain. This clever reinterpretation has all the appeal of the original production with the multi-talented Tracy Ullman appearing the role of Princess Winnifred. Featuring winning songs and a winning cast (including Zooey Deschanel, Michael Boatman and Tom Smothers) this version is delightful eye candy with colors that almost pop off the screen with their fairy tale sheen. Nicely updated by Janet Brownell and well directed by Broadway choreographer and director Kathleen Marshall. ***

Nobody in the Kingdom according to the law until the Prince finds a bride. His mother Queen Aggravain (Burnett) continue to come with difficult and challenging questions to prevent her son from getting married. Desperate to get married Lady Larken (Zooey Deschanel) and her Knight Sir Harry (Michael Morrison) comes up with a plan to get the child-like Prince (Denis O’Hara) married. Harry goes on a hunt for this perfect princess and discovers Princess Winnifred (Ullman). When we first meet her she climbs over the castle walls having swam the moat. With help from Harry, Lady Larken, the Minstrel and Jester Winnifred (“Fred” to her friends) proves to be much more difficult to dispose of compared to the other princesses. ---

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