As Queen Aggravain in Broadway's new Once Upon a Mattress revival, Ana Gasteyer rules over her kingdom with an iron fist. Backstage, Gasteyer keeps herself looking the fairest of them all with some gadgets that seem designed to inspire terror in the hearts of any dressing room visitors. The SNL alum discussed the frightening display on a September 5 visit to Late Night With Seth Meyers. Hear all about it—and even see it, if you dare—in the video above.
But don't worry—it's not all horrors. Gasteyer begins the chat bragging about her Playbill collection, which apparently numbers in the thousands. We love a relatable queen!
The Broadway revival of Once Upon a Mattress opened at the Hudson Theatre August 12—read the reviews here.
The 18-week limited run is set to continue through November 30. The production comes to the Main Stem via New York City Center Encores!, and with much of the cast from that run earlier this year. The show stars two-time Tony winner Sutton Foster as Princess Winnifred, along with Michael Urie as Prince Dauntless, Nikki Renée Daniels as Lady Larken, David Patrick Kelly as King Sextimus the Silent, and Kara Lindsay as the standby for Princess Winnifred. New for the Broadway bow are Gasteyer as Queen Aggravain, Will Chase as Sir Harry, Daniel Breaker as the Jester, and Brooks Ashmanskas as the Wizard.
Featuring a book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer; music by Mary Rodgers; and lyrics by Barer, Once Upon a Mattress is a comedic retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale The Princess and the Pea. The musical, which premiered Off-Broadway in 1959, launched the career of Carol Burnett, who starred in the work's original Off-Broadway and Broadway bows along with a string of live TV productions. The musical has since become a favorite at high schools and theatre groups around the world. This revival features a book adaptation penned by Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls).
Look Back on the Original Broadway Production of Once Upon a Mattress
Also back from the Encores! production is director Lear deBessonet. She's reassembled much of her Encores! creative team, including choreographer Lorin Latarro; scenic designer David Zinn; costume designer Andrea Hood; sound designer Kai Harada; hair, wig, and makeup designer J. Jared Janas; and physical comedy and effect designer Skylar Fox. New for the Broadway bow is lighting designer Justin Townsend. Cody Renard Richard is production stage manager, and casting is by The Telsey Office's Craig Burns.
The transfer has also elected to use orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin, who scored the work's 1996 Broadway revival. Encores! Music Director Mary-Mitchell Campbell serves as music supervisor, with Annbritt duChateau as music director and Kimberlee Wertz as music coordinator.
Visit OnceUponaMattress.com.
Ana Gasteyer and company of Once Upon a Mattress
Sutton Foster, Michael Urie, and company of Once Upon a Mattress
Amanda LaMotte, Michael Urie, and Brooks Ashmanskas in Once Upon a Mattress
Sutton Foster in Once Upon a Mattress
Sutton Foster in Once Upon a Mattress
Ana Gasteyer and Michael Urie in Once Upon a Mattress
Sutton Foster in Once Upon a Mattress
Ana Gasteyer, Sutton Foster, and company of Once Upon a Mattress
Sutton Foster in Once Upon a Mattress
Sutton Foster and company of Once Upon a Mattress
Daniel Breaker and Brooks Ashmanskas in Once Upon a Mattress
Daniel Breaker and company of Once Upon a Mattress
David Patrick Kelly, Michael Urie, and Ana Gasteyer in Once Upon a Mattress
Company of Once Upon a Mattress
Sutton Foster and company of Once Upon a Mattress
Michael Urie and company of Once Upon a Mattress
Ana Gasteyer, Michael Urie, Will Chase, and Nikki Renee Daniels in Once Upon a Mattress
Michael Urie, Sutton Foster, and company in Once Upon a Mattress
Will Chase and Nikki Renee Daniels in Once Upon a Mattress
Daniel Breaker and company of Once Upon a Mattress
Sutton Foster and company of Once Upon a Mattress
David Patrick Kelly, Nikki Renee Daniels, and Daniel Breaker in Once Upon a Mattress
Company of Once Upon a Mattress
