Once Upon a Mattress Program

Juniper Anan (Royal Player)

Junie is thrilled to join her friends as a Royal Player and understudy for Knight #2 in Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition. She’s performed in past CFCArts productions of Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS (Berlioz), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Children’s Chorus), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical (Featured Kid), and also as an Orphan in The Christ School’s Annie. She’s grateful for her family and the CFCArts community.

RJ Anderson (Royal Court)

Robert "RJ" is 10 years old and has enjoyed his time at CFCArts this spring. He has been a part of multiple productions at Theatre West End in Sanford including Annie Jr. (Oliver Warbucks), Disney’s Mary Poppins Jr., Beetlejuice Jr., and The Wizard of Oz.

Ella Asbell (Knight #3)

Ella is thrilled to be part of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition with CFCArts this spring! She has been involved with CFCArts for three years and has loved performing in a variety of productions during that time. Ella is grateful for every opportunity to grow on stage and be part of such a supportive and creative community. She would like to thank her family and friends for their encouragement, and her directors and stage managers for making this experience so memorable!

Nora Asbell (Little Jester)

Nora is excited to be part of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition with CFCArts this spring! She has been performing for two years and has loved growing her confidence and skills on stage with each production. Nora enjoys being part of such a fun and supportive theatre community and is grateful for every opportunity to perform. She would like to thank her family and friends for their encouragement, and her directors and stage managers for this wonderful experience!

Jackson Barry (Royal Court)

Jackson returns to the stage with Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition! He enjoys the CFCArts programs, you may have seen him in Annie Jr., The Velveteen Rabbit, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical, and James and the Giant Peach ensembles. He hopes you like the show!

Matilda Barry (Royal Court)

Matilda returns to the stage with Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition! She enjoys the CFCArts programs, you may have seen her in Annie Jr., The Velveteen Rabbit, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical, and James and the Giant Peach ensembles. She hopes you like the show!

Rosie Bethel (Little Knight)

Rosie is excited to make her theatre debut in Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition with CFCArts this spring! Rosie is six years old and loves singing, dancing, and making new friends. She is having so much fun being part of the show and learning about theatre. Rosie says, “Thank you Mommy, Daddy, my family, and my teachers for helping me and cheering for me!”

Everly Blake (Royal Player)

Everly is thrilled to be part of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition with CFCArts this spring! Everly attends Hillcrest Elementary where she’s a member of the school’s Chorus. She is an active Girl Scout with Troop 149 and loves to sing, joke, and perform. Everly would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support, and the CFCArts team for this opportunity!

Breanna Bode (Royal Court)

Breanna is thrilled to be a part of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition! As an 11-year-old homeschooler, she enjoys exploring her creative interests such as piano, singing, and art. Breanna is grateful for the love and encouragement of her family and friends.

Paige Boughner (Royal Player)

Paige is living her best life after earning her first Jr. Troupe role. She has previously been in Annie Jr., Alice in Wonderland, The Velveteen Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at CFCArts, and at school, Seussical Jr., Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr., and Crush in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.! She is in fifth grade at West Creek Elementary.

Scarlett Boughner (Royal Court)

Scarlett is ready to sing her heart out in Company. This is her ninth production with CFCArts Youth Theatre. She was so excited to be Pearl in her school's production of Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. this spring. She is in third grade at West Creek Elementary.

Phineas Brisman (Little Jester)

Phineas is thrilled to make his debut with CFCArts in Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition! At eight years old, Phineas has a passion for acting, singing, and bringing characters to life. He recently starred as Prince Kai at the Doctor Phillips Center for Performing Arts Youth Program and has featured in numerous shows, recitals, and modeling. A passionate storyteller, when Phineas isn't in the spotlight, he loves running 5Ks, reading, and creative writing. He is thrilled to share the stage with such a talented cast and hopes the audience loves the show as much as he loves performing.

Zoe Bumbolow (Rowena)

Zoe is a sixth grader at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School in Altamonte Springs. She is a proud member of the CFCArts community. Zoe would like to thank all of her friends here at CFCArts, and her directors and stage managers for their help and support!

Ashtyn Burgin (Royal Court)

Ashtyn is so excited to participate in her seventh production with CFCArts! She would like to thank her family, friends, and the entire staff at CFCArts for their support in her journey!

Julia Sapone Ceschini (Royal Court)

Julia is very happy to have her first opportunity to participate in a play in the United States. She is eleven years old and recently moved from Brazil to the U.S. In Brazil, she studied theatre for a year at the Segundo Ato school and performed in the play Alice in Wonderland. Julia would like to thank her parents, family members, and all the teachers and members of CFCArts. It is a great honor to be part of this.

Bertie Champoux (Royal Court)

Bertie is so excited to be part of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition this spring! She is eight years old, attends Lake Como Elementary, and loves being on stage with CFCArts. Bertie has appeared in many shows, including James and the Giant Peach, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Disney’s Aladdin Jr., Alice in Wonderland, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition, The Wind in the Willows, Annie Jr., Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., and The Velveteen Rabbit. We love watching her confidence grow with every show and can’t wait to see what she does next!

Clementine Champoux (Lady Larken)

Clementine is beyond excited to be part of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition this spring and to share the stage with such a fantastic cast! She is 14 years old and currently attends the Fine Arts Magnet program at Howard Middle School. This fall, she’s heading to Dr. Phillips High School after being accepted into the Visual and Performing Arts Magnet program—she can’t wait! Clementine has loved performing with CFCArts and has appeared in many productions, including James and the Giant Peach, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Disney’s Aladdin Jr., Alice in Wonderland, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr., Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition, The Wind in the Willows, Annie Jr., Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., The Velveteen Rabbit, and Puffs. She is especially excited to bring the sweet and silly Lady Larken to life in this most whimsical show!

Bostyn Clark (Princess #12/Lady in Waiting)

Bostyn is so excited to be part of Once Upon A Mattress Youth Edition with CFCArts this spring! She is 13 years old and is a proud eighth grader. Past roles with CFCArts include Dormouse (Alice in Wonderland), Lily (The Giver), Thing (The Addams Family Musical), Mary Kingsley (Little Women), Jess (The Velveteen Rabbit), and Ivy Reed (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical). Bostyn would like to thank her family and friends for their support and love, and her directors and stage managers for this experience!

Olivia Correira (Royal Player)

Olivia is thrilled to be in Once Upon a Mattress the Musical! This is her fifth production, but her first with CFCArts. Her favorite roles were in Matilda as Nigella and Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. as Crush! Olivia would like to thank her family and her new puppy, Rosie, for their support! Thank you to her vocal coach, Kelsey and thank you CFCArts for this experience!

Gracyn Courcy (Little Knight)

Gracyn is six years old and about to graduate Kindergarten. She has been trained in ballet, tap and hip hop dance as well as gymnastics. Gracyn was recently chosen to appear in her school talent show where she performed a lyrical solo. She is very excited about participating in her first theatrical production, Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition!

Frankie Cowart (Minstrel)

Frankie is delighted to be a part of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition, their ninth show with CFCArts! Past roles include Elmer Hopkins (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical), Toy Car (The Velveteen Rabbit), and General Napoleon (Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS). Frankie would like to thank their friends, directors, and stage managers for all the support and an amazing experience.

Elora Eastman (Lady in Waiting)

Elora is very happy that she is able to be a part of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition with CFCArts this spring. Some of her earlier roles were a Field Mouse/Weasel (The Wind in the Willows), Fishette (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.), and a Storyteller (James and the Giant Peach). She is 12 years old and attends Audubon Park School K-8. Elora would like to thank her family and friends for their unending support. She would also like to thank her directors, stage managers, and all the people at CFCArts who brought this show to life, for this wonderful experience.

Andie Eliason (Royal Court)

Andie is thrilled to be part of the ensemble cast in Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition. She is 12 years old and attends The Arbor School of Central Florida in Lake Mary. Andie has been a member of CFCArts’ Upbeat Jr. for six years, with past roles including the Tin Man and the Queen of Hearts. She is so excited to make her debut in her first CFCArts Youth Theatre production. Andie would like to thank her sister, Greer, her parents, Miss Christina, Miss Sarah, and Miss Caroline for giving her confidence. She also thanks her cast members and directors for their welcoming support.

Venus Elizabeth (Little Jester)

Venus is excited for her fourth performance with CFCArts! She is in first grade and is part of a local dance troupe that performs ballet, tap, and jazz routines. She is also actively involved at her church. Venus has previously been a part of Annie Jr., Disney’s Aristocats KIDS, and Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. with CFCArts.

Connor Evans (Little Knight)

Connor is six years old and excited to be part of the magic of theatre! This is his third production with CFCArts and he loves every moment of it! As always, a huge thank you to CFCArts and the team for everything you do!

Gabriella Evans (Royal Court)

When she’s not on stage, Gabby enjoys music, dancing, building imaginative creations, crafting, and spending time with her sister Bella. She is grateful for the friendships and unforgettable experiences she continues to make through theatre!

Isabella Evans (Royal Court)

Outside of theatre, Bella enjoys singing, dancing, reading, creating, and spending time with her family, friends, and her two playful kittens. She would like to thank her directors and fellow cast members for making every show such a fun and memorable experience!

Tristan Evans (Little Jester)

Tristan is eight years old and thrilled to be back on stage! This marks his sixth production with CFCArts, where he loves bringing characters to life and making lasting friendships. When he is not performing, Tristan enjoys using his imagination and dreaming up his next big role. As always, a huge thank you to CFCArts and the team for everything you do!

Mona Florman (Royal Court)

Mona is very excited to participate in her theatrical debut with Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition! Mona attends Audubon Park School, where she is in the Music Club. She also plays the drums at School of Rock and sings in the youth choir at her synagogue. Mona would like to thank her parents for everything they do and everyone involved with CFCArts for making this show possible.

Zach Forestiere (Prince Dauntless)

Zach is making his CFCArts debut. His love for musical theatre shines bright. Most recently, he played The King of Hearts, and understudied the White Rabbit, in Alice in Wonderland (Athens Theatre). Audiences have also seen him as the Butcher and Footman in Cinderella Jr., as Specs and understudy Crutchy in Disney’s Newsies Jr., and in the Ensemble of A Christmas Carol (Athens Theatre). A proud Shoestring and Little Theater alum. Zach would like to thank his family, friends and the creative team for supporting his love of theatre. Zach is proudly represented by DDO Artists Agency.

Willa Frost (Royal Player)

At 10 years old, Willa is already a multi-year veteran of the stage including several shows with CFCArts. Her most recent performance was a lively portrayal of the Toy Boat in The Velveteen Rabbit. She is proud to entertain you today and would like to thank the cast and crew along with her friends and family.

Maya Furgione (Little Jester)

Maya is an enthusiastic second grader with an innate zest for life who adores all things musicals — be it watching or performing. After enjoying summer Orlando Shakes and Orlando Family Stage camps, she had her first performance with CFCArts in Spring of 2024 as a Baby Bubble in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. and went on to join the cast of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical in 2025 as a Baby Angel. Maya enjoys singing, dancing, and performing, and is always ready to put on a show for family, friends, and classmates!

Lula-Rose Gonell (Royal Court)

Lula is thrilled to be making her theatre debut in Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition! She has a strong passion for performing and loves to express herself through dance, acting, and music. Lula spent last year training with Performing Edge Dance Center, where she performed in both hip-hop and cheer at the end of year showcase. She also enjoys teaching herself dance routines and creating performance videos in her free time. Lula is dedicated, confident, and always eager to learn and grow as a performer. She dreams of becoming an actor, singer, and dancer, and is excited to continue developing her skills on stage. Lula would like to thank her family for their love and support.

JD Hajek (King)

JD is excited to be in Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition. He was in James and the Giant Peach earlier this year, which was his first play, and he can’t wait to see what is next. JD wants to thank everyone for the opportunity he is given and can't wait for the experience.

Callie Halliday (Little Jester)

Callie is excited to be a part of the Jr. Company again in Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition! She is in second grade at Tildenville Elementary and this is her third production with CFCArts. Thank you to all at CFCArts for all you do!

Paige Hinton (Lady in Waiting)

Paige is so excited to be performing in this production! She is a 15-year-old student at Lake Brantley High School, where she’s an active member of Thespian Troupe 2888 and part of the school’s advanced choir program. Some of her favorite roles include Aunt Spiker in James and the Giant Peach and Mr. Wormwood in Matilda. Over the summer, she had the incredible opportunity to perform with Orlando Opera in their 2025 concert production of Lord of the Rings at the Dr. Phillips Center. Paige is grateful for the amazing support from her friends, family, and teachers who inspire her to keep chasing her love for the stage.

Colin Hughes (Sir Harry)

Colin is a 13 year old seventh grader at Audubon. He has been doing theatre with CFCArts for several years. His love for theatre, the community it brings, and everyone involved keeps him engaged. Colin wants to thank his castmates for being so supportive and encouraging. As well as the producers, directors and all staff. Thank you for all you do!

Lily Hughes (Royal Court)

Lily is a fourth grader at Audubon Park. Her hobbies are singing, theatre, and piano. She loves her friends and family. Lily has been in theatre for a couple years now and loves all she learns from it. Lily thanks her directors and staff that help her the whole way through.

Kimari Johnson (Queen Aggravain)

Kimari is ecstatic to be able to join Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition with CFCArts. She is 13 years old and is homeschooled, where she engages in writing classes and sports. She has had no past roles so far as this is her first show ever. Kimari would like to thank her friends and family for everlasting support, and her stage managers and directors for welcoming her with open arms.

Riyan Jones (Little Jester)

Riyan is a second grade student in Winter Garden, and she loves the stage! This is her seventh show with CFCArts, and she cannot wait to continue next school year. She is an active member of her school's running club, participates in tumbling, and has participated in her school's production of Disney’s The Lion King KIDS! Riyan's heart is in performing, and this production is no different. She wants to thank her family and friends for all of their support.

Lily Kate (Princess Winnifred)

Lily is thrilled to play Princess Winnifred in the CFCArts production of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition this spring. She has enjoyed a variety of roles with CFCArts including the know-it-all Alice Wendleken (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical), the forgetful but lovable Dory (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.), the Easy-Street aspiring Lily St. Regis (Annie Jr.), the elf who wants to be a dentist, Hermey (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.), and the woodland creature affectionately known by his friends as Ratty (The Wind in the Willows). Lily also serves on the CFCArts Student Advisory Panel. She would like to thank her voice teacher, Ms. Angelyn, her dance teacher, Ms. Emma, and the amazing teachers and staff at CFCArts, and her family and friends for all of their love and support.

Willa Kramer (Lucille)

Willa is thrilled to be cast in her 11th CFCArts show. She is currently a fifth grader at Princeton Elementary, and has been performing with CFCArts since she was a third grader. Her favorite part of CFCArts - and the reason she keeps coming back - is the friendships that she makes along the way. When she is not at rehearsal, you can find Willa talking with friends, listening to music, or practicing her guitar.

Jaie Locke (Beatrice/Dance Captain, Lady in Waiting)

Jaie is a passionate young performer who has loved being on stage from an early age. She has appeared in several musical and theatrical productions, including James and the Giant Peach, Annie Jr., Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Velveteen Rabbit. Through these experiences, she has developed a strong appreciation for storytelling, music, and character work.

Nora Locke (Royal Court)

Nora is an enthusiastic young performer who loves being on stage and bringing stories to life. She has appeared in several productions, including James and the Giant Peach, Annie Jr., The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical, and The Velveteen Rabbit. She enjoys acting and working with her fellow cast members to create fun and memorable performances.

Darina Lyapina (Little Jester)

Darina is excited to perform in Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition with CFCArts! Her previous stage credits with CFCArts include James and the Giant Peach, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and The Velveteen Rabbit. She enjoys music, plays the piano, and loves singing in her choir. Darina has participated in the National PTA Reflections Competition multiple times and is proud to have won it for the second time this year. She is also involved in modeling, which has helped her grow confident and comfortable on stage. Darina is grateful to her family and teachers for their continued support and encouragement.

Emily Masucci (Wizard)

Emily is thrilled to be a part of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition with CFCArts! She is fourteen and attends Boone High School in the Dolce Voce Choir. Past roles include Hortense (Little Women), First Officer (James and the Giant Peach), Bundles (Annie Jr.), and Rabbit (The Wind in the Willows). Emily would like to thank her family, friends, and her dog, Stormy for supporting her.

Anastasia "Anya" May-Allen (Little Jester)

This is Anya’s tenth production with CFCArts. She started as a Monkey in Disney’s Aladdin Jr. and most recently performed as a member of the Children’s Chorus in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She is excited to be a part of another production and is looking forward to putting on her happy face for you tonight!

Lucy Mills (Royal Court)

Lucy is 11 years old and is excited to be performing with CFCArts again. She plays both the oboe and piano and enjoys being involved in musical theatre. Lucy has previously appeared in Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS as Sergeant Tibbs, Seussical KIDS as Thing 2, and Annie Jr. as Star-to-Be. She is excited now to be part of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition and happy to continue performing with CFCArts.

Arabella O'Neill (Little Knight)

Arabella is returning to the theatre with CFCArts after loving her first experience as a Guppy in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. She loves to sing and dance and show off her showmanship on stage for all her favorite people. She especially lights up when she finds her family in the crowd, so be sure to cheer away for her!

Vivian Ortiz-Tatarka (Harriet/Dance Captain, Lady in Waiting)

Viv is excited to be in another Troupe show with CFCArts! Previous roles include Lead Brooklyn Newsie (Disney’s Newsies Jr.), Ollie Herdman (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical), Wandering Oaken (Disney’s Frozen Jr.), Pearl/Kai/Seagull (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.), Sandy (Annie Jr.), and Wickersham (Seussical KIDS) amongst others. Viv would like to thank her parents, sister, family and friends for their support!

Marcelo Porrata (Little Knight)

Marcelo cannot wait to be a part of his fourth show here at CFCArts this spring! He is four years old and loves dancing with Studio 150, baking with his mama, playing with his daddy, singing with his sister Lulu, and most of all, being on stage as often as humanly possible. He aspires to be a cake baker, an astronaut, and a theatre director like both of his parents. He would like to thank his family for being his biggest fans.

Ada Price (Royal Player)

Ada is delighted to be a part of her second show with CFCArts! Previous roles include Ensemble in James and the Giant Peach, Ensemble in Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. (Legacy Theatre), Froglet in Honk Jr. (Legacy Theatre), and Zuzu in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Center Stage at Serenbe).

Wendy Redmond (Little Jester)

Wendy is so excited to be a part of her fourth show with CFCArts this spring! She is seven years old and in second grade. Wendy enjoys swimming, ballet and art! She would like to thank her family and friends for their support and CFCArts for this exciting experience!

Claire Rodriguez (Lady in Waiting)

Claire is delighted to make her stage debut in Once Upon A Mattress Youth Edition. While this is her first time performing with a cast, Claire has been a dedicated member of the literary arts community for over a decade. An avid novelist and storyteller since early childhood, she has spent years developing complex characters and narratives on the page. Her previous performing arts experience includes a ballet production at age five, and she is thrilled to return to the stage eleven years later. As a homeschooled student, Claire enjoys exploring the intersection of creative writing and dramatic performance.

Francesca Rojas (Little Knight)

Francesca is happy to be back with CFCArts for Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition. This is her sixth performance in the youth theatre program, and she has loved every one of them. Francesca would like to thank all of the staff at CFCArts for the experience and opportunity.

Aiden Sanders (Little Knight)

Aiden is excited for his second performance with CFCArts and is looking forward to dazzling the crowd with his song and dance moves. When he is not on stage, Aiden loves to play flag football and is learning to ride his bike without training wheels. A proud student at Bear Lake Elementary, Aiden also boasts a record number of Sunshine State books read by a kindergarten student.

Logan Sanders (Royal Court)

When Logan isn’t lining up on the football field, he is an enthusiastic performer on the stage. He is back with CFCArts for his third production after rousing turns in Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition. Logan is nine years old and attends third grade at Bear Lake Elementary in Apopka. His family and friends can be found at all of his shows, front, center, and proud.

Renata Savchenko (Little Jester)

Renata is excited to be part of this production with CFCArts. She is six years old and loves performing, dancing, and expressing herself on stage. Renata enjoys drawing, singing, and spending time with her friends and family. She has a bright personality, a big imagination, and loves learning new things. Renata is grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank her family for always supporting and encouraging her.

Livianna Stockdale (Knight #1)

Livie is excited to perform in CFCArts' rendition of Once Upon A Mattress Youth Edition as Knight #1. Her past roles with CFCArts include Ladybug (James and the Giant Peach), Fishette (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.), Katy Brown (Little Women), and Ruth Daken Bailey (It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play). She would like to thank all the staff at CFCArts, her mother and her elementary school music teacher: Ms. Emma Ruffin for getting her into theatre.

Jaycie Swank (Knight #2)

Jaycie is excited to be a part of CFCArts production of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition. She is in the sixth grade and this is her 11th performance with CFCArts. Some recent roles include Peach (Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.) and Velveteen (The Velveteen Rabbit). She plays violin, ukulele, electric and acoustic guitar. Jaycie would like to thank her family and theatre friends for their support, and her directors, choreographer, stage managers, and music director for this experience!

Riley Thomas (Little Jester)

Riley is eight years old and is so excited to be part of this production of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition! Out of the many shows she has performed in since joining CFCArts in 2024, her favorite to date has been Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, in which she was a member of the Children’s Chorus. In her spare time, Riley loves to read, draw, and play violin and piano. Riley would like to thank her directors along with her family for their love and support.

Elizabeth Tribble (Royal Court)

Elizabeth is thrilled to join CFCArts and the Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition family! Prior to this production, she starred as Lady Litter in The Last Tree in Mystic Grove at the Court Theatre in Christchurch, New Zealand, as well as acted as a company member of several summer showcases at Orlando Shakes. She credits Stranger Things as her acting inspiration. When not performing on the stage, Elizabeth attends Lake Como School where she participates in the Music Ensemble and STEM Club. She is an avid swimmer, skateboarder, and loves all things NASA and space.

Nicolas Varela (Little Jester)

Nicolas is seven years old and has previously participated in CFCArts past productions of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Jr., Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Youth Edition, and Seussical the Musical KIDS. He is excited to be a part of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition with CFCArts and continue his growth in the performing arts. He enjoys music, playing classical piano, dancing, acting and making everyone smile. Nicolas is grateful for the inspiration, hard work, and support provided by the CFCArts teachers, directors, choreographers, stage managers, and everyone involved in the production. Thank you for another wonderful and unforgettable experience!

Avalene Weidman (Little Knight)

Avalene’s birthday is her favorite day of the year. She loves toys and her family. She wants to be an actress when she grows up.

Madisyn Weinberg (Little Knight)

Madisyn is thrilled to be a part of her first ever production, Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition, at CFCArts this spring! She just celebrated her sixth birthday and is a kindergartener at Dommerich Elementary. She loves dancing and performing. She is looking forward to her debut! She would like to thank all of her family and friends for their endless support and everyone at CFCArts! It’s showtime!

Finnley Wirz (Jester)

In addition to theatre, Finnley is a dancer, aerialist, and experienced gymnast. Previous theatre performances include The Wizard of Oz (Toto), The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition (Electric Skate), Seussical Jr. (Young Kangaroo), Beetlejuice Jr. (Skye), Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. (Fishette), and Descendants the Musical (Carlos). She is so grateful to all of those who have come out to see her performance with an extra special thank you to her director, cast mates, friends, and family! IG: @finnley.mae

Zoe Yu (Little Jester)

Zoe is excited to be part of Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition. She previously appeared in James and the Giant Peach and has loved being on stage. She enjoys singing, acting, and making new friends through theatre. She is especially happy to be performing alongside her friends and is grateful for this fun and memorable experience.

Dean Fuller (1922-2017) was a composer, playwright, conductor, sailor, pilot, novelist and teacher. B.A. music and drama, Yale University. Alumnus Tamiment Playhouse, last of the Borscht Belt boot camps for revue writers, lyricists and composers. He co-wrote the book for Once Upon A Mattress, contributed music (with lyrics by Marshall Barer) to the revues Once Over Lightly (Zero Mostel, Jack Gilford, Sono Osato), New Faces of 1956 (Tiger Haynes, Inga Swenson, Maggie Smith) and Ziegfeld Follies (Beatrice Lillie). Musical director and arranger for Tallulah Bankhead's only nightclub appearances (Sands Hotel, Las Vegas). Composer, National Repertory Theatre (Eva LeGallienne, Denholm Elliott, Farley Granger, Sylvia Sydney). Co-author/composer of the Off-Broadway musical Smith. Author of three novels: Passage, A Death in Paris and Death of a Critic.

Mary Rodgers (1931-2014) – An accomplished author, screenwriter and composer, Mary Rodgers began her Broadway career as composer of Once Upon a Mattress starring Carol Burnett, later broadcast to great television success. Additional theatre composer credits include Hot Spot starring Judy Holliday, The Mad Show, Working and The Griffin and the Minor Canon. Television credits include Once Upon a Mattress, Three to Make Music, Feathertop and Marlo Thomas’ Free to Be...You and Me. Her musicals have been celebrated in the revue Hey, Love. Ms. Rodgers was also a popular author of fiction for young people; her best-selling first book, the Christopher Award-winning Freaky Friday, was adapted by Disney into a 1976 movie, for which she wrote the screenplay. Mary Rodgers served for many years as the Rodgers family representative to The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization and the chairman of the board of The Juilliard School.

Jay Thompson (1927-2014) co-wrote the book for Once Upon A Mattress and wrote the book, music and lyrics for the opera The Bible Salesman, as well as the one-act musical The Oldest Trick in the World. He also wrote Pocketful of Wry, a musical revue. In addition to composing words and music for the song "Jimmy," which was sung by Julie Andrews in the film Thoroughly Modern Millie, Thompson has created special material for Carol Channing, Dorothy Loudon, Imogene Coca and other funny ladies. As a director, he worked on Once Upon A Mattress, Born Yesterday, Pocketful Of Wry, Annie, Forum, Sweet Charity, Steel Magnolias, Laughing Matter and The Oldest Trick In The World.