Music by  Mary Rodgers
Book by  Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer
Music by  Marshall Barer

Playing November 13-22, 2026

at the GPHS Performing Arts Center

Grants Pass High School's Theatre Department presents their Fall Musical: “Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition” playing at the GPHS Performing Arts Center, Nov 13-22, 2026. 

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Many moons ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the prince, but none could pass the impossible tests given to them by the Queen. That is, until the “shy” swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up. Would she be able to pass the Sensitivity Test, marry her prince and help Lady Larken and Sir Harry to the altar? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the classic tale The Princess and the Pea provides some side-splitting shenanigans. For after all, a princess is a delicate thing.

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“Once Upon a Mattress” showcases a talented cast and crew of 60 students from Grants Pass High School. Directed by GPHS theatre teacher Julia Cuppy, the production features Denise Baker as Choreographer, Jamie Banister as Music Director, and Tianna Eddy as Producer. Tech elements will be designed and created by students in Mrs. Cuppy’s Technical Theatre class, mentored by professional theatre technicians and designers Wayd Drake, Andrew Eddy, Ruth Sears, and Monica McFadden.

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Special Event: On Saturday, November 21st we are hosting a “Royal Family Festival” event before the show, where guests will be crowned as a princess or prince, meet the royal family, learn to curtsey, ride a pony, fight a dragon, and enjoy refreshments! Tickets to the festival allow each guest to participate in all of the activities, including admission to the show afterward. This Special Event starts at 10:00am, followed by a Sensory-Friendly “Once Upon a Mattress” Performance starting at 11:30am. This performance provides a comfortable viewing experience with reduced sound levels, a softly lit auditorium, and advance notice prior to any loud or surprising sounds.

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“Once Upon a Mattress” Show Dates:
Fri, Nov 13, 7:00pm
Sat, Nov 14, 2:00pm
Sun, Nov 15, 2:00pm
Fri, Nov 20, 7:00pm
Sat, Nov 21, 11:30am (Royal Family Festival at 10:00am & Sensory-Friendly Performance at 11:30am)
Sun, Nov 22, 2:00pm

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Tickets for all performances are: $15 for Adults and $10 for Students/Seniors, with Free Admission for Kids 5 and under. We are also offering a $40 “Family of Four” pack to help keep the show affordable for families! Tickets and more information is available at https://www.gphstheatre.com/ 

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This production is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.