Bridge Players Theatre Company presents Once Upon a Mattress across 3 weekends in May 2024. The popular play features Music by Mary Rogers; Lyrics by Marshall Barer, and Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. If you thought you knew the story of "The Princess and The Pea," you may be in for a walloping surprise!
Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred swam the moat to reach her happily ever after? Or that there were 12 previous princesses vying for the hand of Prince Dauntless the Drab? What about King Sextimus' curse that can only be reversed "when the mouse devours the hawk"?
Carried on a wave of wonderful songs – by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic – this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some side-splitting shenanigans. Chances are you'll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again.
Performances take place May 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 at 8:00pm and May 5, 11, 12 at 3:00pm. The performance on Friday, May 10 will be sign interpreted. All performances take place at Broad Street United Methodist Church (36 E. Broad Street) in Burlington, New Jersey. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children under ten. Tickets are available for purchase online. Note: they prefer not to take sales at the door, and currently do not take no-pay reservations.
The cast includes Damon A. Strothers (Minstrel), Rene Atkinson (Princess #2), Ethan Rundell (Wizard), Caitlin Figueroa (Lady Larkin), Amber Stolarski (Queen Aggravain), Matthew Patalona (Prince Dauntless), David Helgeson (King Sextimus), Kenneth Fisher / Jeff Rife (Jester), Kori Rife (Princess Winnifred), Aaron Reid (Sir Harry), Marissa DiPilla-Clendaniel (The Nightingale of Samarkand), Felix Ramos (Sir Studley), Dan Mucha (Sir Luce), John Salera (1st Knight), Joe Tabasco (2nd Knight), Jaden Murray (3rd Knight), Allyssa Winkelspecht (Lady Rowena), Kayla Kulla (Lady Merrill), Allison Leete (Lady Lucille), Megan Moyers (Emily), and Rebecca Sisley (Lady H).
The production crew includes Director Brian S. Rothman; Asst. Director & Choreographer Kenneth Fisher; and Music Director Diana Dohrmann.
Once Upon a Mattress is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Bridge Players Theatre Company, based in Burlington, NJ, is dedicated to presenting high quality, affordable theatrical productions to the community. They encourage an active and diverse membership by creating opportunities, both on and off stage, for people of all ages and from all backgrounds, inviting all to celebrate their individual talents and their mutual passion for live theatre.
Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Burlington County Board of Commissioners, Department of Resource Conservation, Division of Parks.
Image designed by Caitlin Meleski Artwork
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with New Jersey Ballet in a powerful evening of dance that captures the spirit, energy, innovation and resilience of the nation through the language of ballet. Red, White and Blue brings together iconic masterworks and bold contemporary voices in a program that reflects the many dimensions of the American experience while honoring New Jersey’s essential role in the fight for independence and the shaping of the nation.
“If you are looking to be blown away by raw talent, then look no further than Griffin House.” —American Songwriter
Written by and starring Vicki Lawrence
Two Performances Only
Vicki Lawrence, the legendary actress, comedian, and singer, brings her signature wit and charm to the stage in Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show. Best known for her iconic role as Thelma Harper, or "Mama," from The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family, Lawrence delivers a hilarious and heartfelt performance that takes audiences on a journey through her extraordinary career. From her Emmy-winning years alongside Carol Burnett to her chart-topping hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” she shares behind-the-scenes stories, comedy, and music—all with her trademark humor. Whether reminiscing about her Hollywood adventures or embodying the feisty Mama, Lawrence proves that laughter is timeless.
Music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
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Experience “a jazz singer of thrilling presence, a booming baritone with a gift for earthy refinement and soaring uplift” (New York Times). Gregory Porter sings with passion — and compassion — on studio albums including Liquid Spirit, Nat King Cole & Me and All Rise. This year, the two-time GRAMMY® winner celebrates a decade of his album Take Me to the Alley. It was an instant classic in 2016, jammed with gems like “Holding On,” “Don’t Lose Your Steam” and the indelible title track.
FLOYD PINK is a Pink Floyd tribute band from the New York metro area, celebrating the music of Pink Floyd.
Multi-platinum selling, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Geoff Tate is best known for his 30-plus years as the creative and driving force behind the progressive metal band Queensryche. Since its inception with Geoff at the helm, Queensryche has sold over 20 million albums worldwide and has performed in upwards of fifty countries. Geoff is regarded as one of the most skilled vocalists in the genre with hundreds of modern, popular artists citing him and his former band as a major influence. Combining social consciousness and expertly crafted lyrics with high-energy, melodically complex music, Queensryche with Geoff Tate at the forefront became internationally recognized as the thinking man’s rock band. The band’s first three albums — their self-titled EP (1983), The Warning (1984) and Rage for Order (1986) — all hit gold status selling over 500,000 units each.
He prowls the stage like a Tiger. He holds no hostages. He says what you are thinking but are afraid to say out loud. Oh…and he’s beyond hysterical! You’ve never seen anything like Vic Dibitetto on stage. See him this Holiday Season when he returns to Carteret!
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(BRIDGETON, NJ) -- For the Whim Productions presents William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream from November 13-20, 2026 at the Ashley McCormick Theatre in the Hopeloft in Bridgeton. A whimsical comedy where fairies, lovers, actors, and our audience collide in an enchanted forest, blending magic, romance, and mischief. The production is directed by Heidi Dugan.
