CHESTER SPRINGS, PA — A fairy tale prince who can’t find love, a queen who controls everything, and a princess who refuses to play by the rules are about to upend winter in Chester Springs.
SALT Performing Arts will stage Once Upon a Mattress from February 6 through February 22, 2026, bringing the classic musical comedy—loosely inspired by The Princess and the Pea—to its Chester Springs venue with modern flair, bold humor, and a high-tech visual punch.
Often described as anything but a bedtime story, Once Upon a Mattress follows the fearless and unconventional Princess Winnifred as she challenges a rigid royal court and helps a shy prince discover love on his own terms. The show blends slapstick comedy with catchy songs and pointed satire, skewering excessive control and celebrating individuality.
“Although at first glance this show may seem light-hearted and quirky, it actually has some powerful themes,” said Lauren McComas, SALT’s president and artistic director. She described the production as a spirited clash between authenticity and manipulation, led by a heroine who refuses to be silenced. McComas said the cast delivers “better than Broadway voices,” enhanced by SALT’s upgraded 3D video wall and digital set extensions.
The production stars Mary Kate Shields as Princess Winnifred and Ryan Hagan as Prince Dauntless, alongside Janine Weiss as the formidable Queen Aggravain and Todd Hatton as King Sextimus the Silent. The cast is supported by a large ensemble and creative team led by director James Wier, choreographer Stacy Moscotti, and music director Sandi Joy Chadwick.
Performances will be held at SALT’s Chester Springs location, 1645 Art School Road. Opening night on Friday, February 6, features dressy attire and champagne, followed by a packed schedule of matinees and evening shows through February 22.
Beyond the stage, the production carries a community mission. As part of a decade-long partnership with the Chester County Food Bank, SALT will collect food donations at every performance, with $1 from each ticket sale donated directly to the food bank.
Tickets are on sale now at https://www.saltpa.com/mattress.
SALT Performing Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, and officials encourage patrons to arrive early due to limited late seating. Accessibility seating is available with advance coordination.
For audiences seeking laughter, warmth, and a happily-ever-after during the coldest weeks of winter, SALT’s royal send-up promises a fairy tale with bite—and a pea-sized test no one will forget.
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