Grant Fitzgerald of Owatonna to Star in Huntington University Production

2011 Oct 20

Grant Fitzgerald of Owatonna, MN, is set to star as Sir Harry in Huntington University's production of "Once Upon a Mattress."

Fitzgerald is a freshman Film Production major at HU.

Many people may know this musical as the show that launched the career of comedic actress Carol Burnett. This comedic fairy-tale musical tells the story of a princess, a pea and a kingdom full of people unable to wed until the queen (Breana Balliet) can find an eligible bride for her son, the prince. Princess Winnifred arrives in the nick of time, but will she be able to overcome the queen's obstacles in order to win Prince Dauntless's heart?

This hilarious rendition of "The Princess and the Pea" story, written by Mary Rodgers, Marshall Barer, Jay Thompson and Dean Fuller, will leave audiences humming and dancing in their seats.

Well-known songs from the musical comedy include "Shy," "Opening for a Princess" and "In a Little While."

"Once Upon a Mattress" will be performed in the Studio Theatre of the Merillat Centre for the Arts at Huntington University Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 9-12. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with a special 2 p.m. matinee performance Nov. 5.

Tickets cost $12 for general admission, $10 for students and seniors, $6 for children 13 and younger, $5 for HU students and $9 for HU faculty/staff.

For reservations, call the MCA Box Office at 260-359-4261 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Tickets also will be sold at the door before every performance. Tickets are now on sale. Buy your tickets today as seating is limited.

"Once Upon a Mattress" marks the opening production for Huntington University Theatre Company's 2011-2012 season. Jay Duffer will direct the show with musical direction from Leta Horan and choreography from Melissa Duffer. Duffer last directed the 2010-2011 season production of "Guys and Dolls."

"Once Upon a Mattress" first premiered on Broadway in 1959. The musical ran for 460 performances and received a Tony Award for Best Musical and a Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actress for Carol Burnett.

For more information about the Huntington University Theatre Company, visit www.huntington.edu/theatre.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America's Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution to its "Best in the Midwest" list. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

For text of this and all Huntington University news releases, visit www.huntington.edu/news.