[i'm_back]

I was just wondering how important each character in Once Upon a Mattress was. Like I wanted to see a "list of importance" or something. haha. I know this was done in the Anything Goes forum a while back, and i was just wondering about this show. Thanks in advance!!

[Salome]

the great thing about the show is that show is the fat that the roles are all of equal size. and there is a reason for it. the cast of the workshop production in Pennsylvania had such egos that they all complained about the sizes of the roles. my acting prof in college did her doctorate thesis on the theatrein question. i can't remember its name right now damn it.

[PappyCat]

It's an ensemble cast, so everyone is pretty important. However, I don't think the plot could move at all without:

Fred, Larkin, Harry, Dauntless and the Queen.

All the other principle characters are important, but the plot wouldn't fall apart if they weren't there.

If you are asking for a list of importance, I can give you the curtain call we used: (Keep in mind that we didn't have a chorus...everyone had a speaking part.)

(Ensemble if your show has one)
Speaking Ladies in Waiting and Knights
Wizard
Minstrel and Jester
Queen and King
Harry and Larkin
Fred and Dauntless

What I love about OUAM is that there are so many little stories going on. Everyone wants something, and you get to follow their little journey to get it.

For instance, everyone will assume that the female 'lead' of the show is Fred, but Larkin definitely has as many scenes. Fred beats her musically, cause all of Fred's songs are sung by herself (with the occasional chime in from others, but mostly on her own.) Larkin's songs are all with someone else. I think out of all of them, the Queen has the most lines...but the least singing out of the three.

The male parts are really spread out. The Jester has more songs than Dauntless, for instance, but Dauntless sings two by himself. (With backing vocals on Song of Love) where as the Jester is in two trios (well, one is really a duo) and one by himself, with a whole dance.

Out of the 9 principles, they really spread out the scenes. Everyone has quite a few!

This is my favorite musical and I was just in it, so I know a lot about it! Feel free to PM me with questions.

[wicked_diva]

I disagree about Larkin and Harry. Size-wise, I believe it is more like: Fred, Dauntless, Queen, King, Jester, Minstrel, Larkin, Harry, Wizard, various ladies-in-waiting and knights.

[PappyCat]

The main plotline is the Harry/Larkin, Fred/Dauntless parts. Size wise, the Queen might have more, but it's because of Harry/Larkin that Fred is really brought into the picture. THEY are the romantic leads...whereas Fred and Dauntikins are the comedic leads.

[norayouadora]