Sami Grimes
Special to the Times

Saturday night has long been considered my fiancé and I’s official date night. We love to dress up, go out to dinner, and check out any number of events that are taking place in the local metro.

A couple weekends ago, we had the privilege of seeing “Les Miserables” at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. We were so in awe of the talent that calls our city home, that we couldn’t wait for our next opportunity to take in a play.

Luckily for us, such an opportunity was waiting at the Forest Lake High School.

Now, you are probably thinking a comparison between a paid company of actors and students under the age of 18 is quite a stretch. However, my experience at FLHS’s production of “Once Upon a Mattress” will attest that such a comparison is pretty valid.

The production, part of Hennepin Theatre Trust’s SpotLight Musical Theatre Program, is based upon the story of The Princess and the Pea.

In this rendition of the classic tale, the young women of the kingdom are forbid to marry until Prince Dauntless, the son of King Sextimus and Queen Aggravain, finds a true princess to wed.

Tim Newcomb, director of this year’s musical, should be proud of the amazing group of young adults he has put together. In the program that was handed out prior to opening curtain, Newcomb thanks just about everyone for their support and enthusiasm throughout the fall season.

Still, I feel that we should be thanking him. It takes a good director to get a bunch of kids to sing and dance on queue, but it takes a great director to take those same kids and turn them into actors that rival even seasoned performers.

Talented cast

For example, Laura Jacob, a senior at FLHS, was cast perfectly for the role of Queen Aggravain. Her charisma and her natural ability to captivate an audience could easily match a 30-year-old with a theater degree. She was just adorable, and one of the nicest young women I was fortunate to meet after the performance.

“It was amazing,” Jacob said, trying to catch her breath. “We all fit. We spend hours and hours working together, and we become [like] family. We just have such a fun time.”

Jacob’s character is unhappily married to a mute, King Sextimus. Derik Iverson, who I had the opportunity to see perform in FLHS’s prior production of Suessical, really stepped up his performance for his portrayal of the king. I was very impressed.

There is one scene, in particular, when King Sextimus mirrors the annoying jabbering of his wife, the queen, behind her back. His mimicking is spot on with her speech. The audience just broke out in laughter. If acting isn’t in Iverson’s future, a career in stand-up comedy should be his next endeavor. He was hilarious.

“It’s a great cast, and Laura is amazing. But it’s difficult,” Iverson said. “It’s very hard to hate each other on stage, when in reality, we’re such good friends,” he continued.

Dan Hazel, who played the Jester, deserves mention as well. This young man was a living, animated cartoon. With every step, he stole the limelight. He mastered this great personality reminiscent of a young Billy Crystal that was very clever and well rehearsed.

“I love it!” Hazel proclaimed referencing his experience with this year’s musical. “There is such an amazing theater program here. We are very fortunate.”

FLHS is fortunate to have such talented students, much like junior Jessica Pimpo. In her portrayal of Princess Winnifred, she definitely takes the stage.

In every one of her scenes, she reminded me of Debbie Reynolds in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” (This is probably a reference these young people have no relation to). Overall, Pimpo is a very gifted young woman, with vocal chords primed for a career in Broadway or Jazz.

She’s full of energy, and most impressively, could hold her own when the microphone cut out. With some encouragement and training, she could have a career on the stage easily if she wanted.

Other points

The remainder of the principal characters should receive praise for their performances as well. Despite the occasional flat notes which were sometimes audible, they genuinely put on a very good show.

The only thing that really detracted from the experience was the intermittent microphone problems that seemed to plague every character at one time or another.

Not to worry though, there were so many brilliant aspects to the production that more than made up for the technological difficulties, such as the stage set. I am always amazed at what the creative minds at Forest Lake High School can think up

This was the first year I have seen the orchestra pit sit atop a stone castle, lit dimly and romantically by soft light. However, my favorite set piece the entire night was the giant bed made of 20 mattresses Princess Winnifred was to sleep upon. That must have been a feat to create.

Any professional theater could appreciate that amazing prop. The set crew really outdid themselves this year. Seeing that bed alone is well worth the ticket price.

The chorus of singers was also great, thanks to the diligent work of vocal director Jean Laqua. The choreography was a bit slack in certain scenes, but all together, I really enjoyed the life they gave each act. Bravo!

Bravo as well to Phil Raaen, who directed the orchestra. During one orchestra piece, a little girl no older than two began dancing around the aisles, being ever-followed by her cautious mother.

That kind of response always makes a show for me. The children were having a ball, and their parents were tapping their feet right along with them.

A play to see

To sum it all up, take my advice and go see “Once Upon a Mattress” this upcoming weekend. I said before that Forest Lake High School could rival a professional theater company, and you might still be wondering why.

The reason is that these kids put their entire soul into putting on a great show. Every night they are shaking in the dressing room, praying they don’t screw up their dance solo or forget a line, just for you. There’s no pretension, and you feel a part of something really cool.

And the best part is you don’t have to spend $70 on a pair of tickets to enjoy great theater. Take advantage of the talent that is right here in our own hometown. You’ll be glad you did.

Forest Lake High School’s production of “Once Upon a Mattress” opened Nov. 1st, and can still be seen this Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 8-10, 7:30 p.m..

Tickets are $5 for students/seniors; $6 for adults at the door and $10 for patrons.

To purchase patron tickets, call and leave a message at 651-982-8476, or buy tickets at the Yellow Bus in the Lakes Shoppes Mall in Forest Lake.

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