Laurie Mitchell
Director
Monica Baczuk
Music Director
Gerry Unger
Choreographer
Creative Team
I grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan reading fairytales and watching Carol Burnett — both important inspirations. I became an English and Drama teacher and taught in SK for four years. I married my knight in shining armour, an RCMP officer — who, it turns out, is also great at helping build and paint sets! We had two princess daughters, both of whom were theatre kids involved in school and LMT productions.
Teaching high school English and Drama in Alberta for 30 years — the last 13 of which included directing many musicals for Catholic Central High School with the talented Gerry Unger as choreographer — made for many wonderful show memories. Teaching preservice teachers at the U of L for a year was also a highlight.
Upon retiring in 2020, I got involved with community theatre. This script appeared to be a fun, comedy-filled, family-friendly production — which LMT thought as well. My amazing dream creative team, who graciously joined the story like fairy godmothers, have granted many wishes, toiled endlessly, and been the magic behind bringing Once Upon a Mattress to the stage. The cast, as you will see, is an amazing collection of community talent who have bravely and selflessly dedicated six weeks of evenings (and some Saturdays) to rehearsals to bring this twisted fairytale version of The Princess and the Pea to you. The quest of builders and painters, crew, techs, and costume makers are the elves that add enchantment.
This short story has a very happy ending, with everyone living “happily ever after,” entertaining you, and becoming a show family. Thank you for supporting this adventure and helping make the dreams that community theatre provides come true.
From the Castle’s
Corner Office
There’s something truly special about community theatre. From the way it brings people together, the way it fills a room with laughter, music and connection and the way it reminds us that storytelling is at the heart of who we are.
Once Upon a Mattress has been a joy from the very beginning. It’s a show filled with whimsy and warmth and behind the curtain is a group of incredibly dedicated people who have poured their hearts into making this production shine. From our brilliant creative team to our talented cast and tireless crew, every person involved has given their time, energy and spirit to bring this fairytale to life.
I am also so proud of what Lethbridge Musical Theatre continues to build — not just on stage, but within our community. Our city is full of passionate artists, generous supporters and audiences who show up again and again to celebrate local talent. It’s because of that love and support that LMT has been able to share the magic of live theatre for more than sixty years.
To our creative team, our board, our volunteers, and every person who cheers us on — thank you. Your belief in what we do keeps the lights shining, the music playing and the stories alive.
We can’t wait for you to join us for this one. May it make you laugh, smile and believe...even if only for a little while, in the joy and possibility of finding your own happily ever after.
Stephanie Savage
President, Lethbridge Musical Theatre
