ONCE UPON A MATTRESS | Musical Monday Theatre Mini Lesson

Welcome to Musical Monday - a series PERFECT for theatre educators to share every Monday to get class started in a fun and engaging way. Musical Monday segments include background information on the selected title, a basic plot overview, a fun fact, and a "Point to Ponder" (journal prompt/discussion question).

How to use "Musical Monday" in your Classroom:
   • NEW THEATRE SERIES | FREE Mini Lesson...  .

Please note that there are not many professional recordings of this show available outside of Carol Burnett's 1962 and 1974 TV specials. I generally would NOT show clips from a movie musical in class (I prefer recordings of live/stage performances), but in this case, I may make an exception and show clips from the 2005 film (included below). There are also many recordings from high schools and community theatres here on YT.

Overall, I recommend pairing this with one of the following clips from the show below:

Sarah Jessica Parker Performs "Shy" (1997 Tony Awards):    • Sarah Jessica Parker  -  Shy -  1997 ...  .

Carol Burnett Performs "Happily Ever After" (1974 TV Special) TEACHERS: Fast FWD to 3: 40 on this clip and make sure you're comfortable showing Burnett's portrayal of "thoroughly satisfied":    • Once upon a mattress Happily Ever Aft...  .

Carol Burnett Performs "Sensitivity" (2005 Movie):    • Once Upon a Mattress - Sensitivity  .

0:00 Intro
0:27 Background Info
0:45 The Plot
2:06 Fun Fact!
2:45 Point to Ponder