Sag Harbor - Fifty years ago, "Once Upon a Mattress," a romantic and hilarious musical version of "The Princess and the Pea," opened on Broadway to the delight of theatergoers young and old. It won the hearts of its audiences with an inventive and raucous twist on the old story.

In celebration of that 50th Anniversary, Stages, a Children's Theatre Workshop, Inc., will present "Once Upon a Mattress," its 80th production, at the Bay Street Theatre on Friday, April 23, and Saturday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 25, at 2 p.m.

The cast of over 30 young local actors is directed and choreographed by Helene Leonard. Musical accompaniment is by Amanda Jones and James Benard. Music is by Mary Rodgers, lyrics are by Marshall Barer, and book is by Jay Thompson, Barer and Dean Fuller. Originally written for the Broadway stage for a young Carol Burnett, this fractured fairy tale has seen a Tony nominated Broadway revival starring Sarah Jessica Parker, and, most recently, an ABC television special starring Tracey Ullman, with Burnett as the Queen.
Come enjoy a royal time at a rollicking musical comedy for the whole family! Tickets for "Once Upon A Mattress" are $15 and can be purchased at the Bay Street Theatre Box Office, or by calling 631-725-9500.

Stages begins its 16th season this summer. There is still time to join its popular Summer Stock Program. Stages is dedicated to performing professional-quality musicals for family audiences, involving young actors from all of the Hampton communities.

For further information about Stages upcoming programs call 631-329-1420.