Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/02/2026
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- The Artist Collective Troupe presents their summer musical, Once Upon A Mattress from June 26-28 at The Villas of Holmdel. Winnifred the Woebegone is just a simple swamp princess looking to win the heart of Prince Dauntless. But can she pass the impossible test Queen Aggravain has in store for her?
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.
Performances take place Friday, June 26 at 7:30pm; Saturday, June 27 at 7:30pm; and Sunday, June 28 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. The Villas of Holmdel is located at 200 Commons Way in Holmdel, New Jersey.
All performances of ACT's "Once Upon a Mattress" will be supporting the Jersey Shore Dream Center's Baby Pantry via supplies donations. Please consider bringing a donation of one of the following with you to the show: diapers, baby wipes, baby food, formula, new or gently used baby clothing and toys. Everyone who makes a donation will be entered to win tickets to their fall production of "Matilda!"
The creative team includes Director - Eric Pertgen; Music Director/Choreographer - Marie Bickerton; Stage Manager - Dee Martinez; and Production Assistant - Chelsea Carlson.
The cast includes Megahan Castro (Princess Winifred), Aidan Vogel (Prince Dauntless), Jennifer Baker (Queen Aggravain), Don Benhardt (King Sextimus), Matt Ruf (Siry Harry), SarahGrace Nutter (Lady Larkin), Ava Papageorgiou (Minstreal), Peyton Giordano (Jester), and AJ Barone (Wizard).
The Ensemble includes Anthony F., Eric Pertgen, Grace Farrell, Karen Gray, Katie Infranco, Madison M., Mychelle K., Nadia Hynes, Pam Pertgen, Sarah Sanderson, and Tommy McComb.
The Artist Collective Troupe is a nonprofit theater company created to serve the community through theatrical and music performances, artistic events, education opportunities, workshops, and more.
Founded in 2021, ACT's goal is to provide educational, collaborative, and creative opportunities for artists and performers of all ages throughout the greater Ocean and Monmouth County area while putting on high-quality productions the whole community can enjoy. Past performances have included productions of "Mary Poppins," "Elf: The Musical," "Godspell Jr.," "Into the Woods," and more, ACT's annual musical revue, "Wish Upon a Song," holiday caroling with the Collective Carolers, a children's summer musical theater program, and more.
ACT further strives to serve the community by partnering with other local nonprofits and worthy causes to make a difference by fundraising and spreading awareness at all of their performances. Charities we have worked with before include Make-A-Wish New Jersey, the Ashley Lauren Foundation, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Rescue Ridge, and more.
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