Once Upon a Mattress marks the launch of Gabrielino Repertory Players- GHS’s student theatre company. San Gabriel Valley Music Theatre’s award-winning producing artistic director, Bobby Hundley steps in to direct the magical and merry musical. Joined by music theater pros; Julie Welch as music director/choreographer and Ray Rochelle as costume designer, this is a musical you don’t want to miss.
This magical musical boasts a student cast of over 60 performers and musicians from throughout the San Gabriel Unified School District and will feature both professional orchestra tracks and live music played by the 18-piece GHS Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Melissa Romero. If that’s not enough spectacle for you, be swept away by the scenic design consisting of a multi-level castle and rotating tower, constructed by GHS’ Production Tech class led by Technical Director Ruben Arteaga.
Oh, and did we mention, 30 minutes prior to curtain time, this production will host a pre-show Renaissance Faire, featuring family friendly games, crafts, and Renaissance musicians from the JMS Orchestra.
“Our goal is to provide a quality, family entertainment experience for the community while creating an invaluable career pathway in the arts for our students,” Mr. Hundley said. “I believe this production is a step towards making a bold statement that SGUSD has some of the best, brightest, and most creative teachers, students and visual and performing arts programs in Southern California.”
Mr. Hundley described how the strength of this production was born out of it being a complete collaboration between SGUSD VAPA programs from poster designs by Terri Hopper’s GHS graphic design class to ASB for ticket sales to the Orchestra, Drama, Dance, Choir, and Production Design courses all working towards the same goal. Combine this interdisciplinary VAPA education with the District and School Leadership providing incredible support and you get a production that soars with style, imagination, humor, emotion, and inclusion for the whole community.
Once Upon a Mattress marks the launch of Gabrielino Repertory Players- GHS’s student theatre company.
Once Upon a Mattress April 20th and April 21st Location Gary E Goodson Theatre Gabrielino High School 1327 S. San Gabriel Blvd. San Gabriel, CA, 91776 Tickets range from $10-$20. Visit sgusdvapa.org for more show information and to purchase tickets. Once Upon a Mattress is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Rehearsals: (L-R) Juliette Cordero, Kevin Perry, YiMing Emily Wang