On November 15, 16, and 17, Omaha North High’s Drama Department performed the musical Once Upon a Mattress.
This production was written by Dean Fuller, Jay Thompson, and Marshall Barer. Originally published in 1959, it has since been performed on Broadway nearly 500 times. Many high schools have recreated this musical and performed it on stages across the country.
Once Upon a Mattress is inspired by The Princess and the Pea, a fairytale written by Hans Christian Anderson in 1835.
In this adaptation, Queen Aggravain is trying to find a wife for her son, Prince Dauntless. She makes each potential bride complete a nearly impossible task. Princess after princess tries and fails to win Prince Dauntless’ hand, until one day, when Princess Winifred of the swamp, decides to try her luck. Although she is not a typical royal, the villagers and Prince Dauntless decide to help her pass Queen Aggravain’s test. With their assistance, she is able to complete the Queen’s task and marry the prince, living happily ever after.
Aiden Beguedou, 12, is the star of this year’s show, playing Princess Winifred.
Beguedou believes that the lead role is a perfect fit for her. She says that Princess Winifred’s laid-back and casual attitude reminds her of herself.
“[Princess Winifred] does not let anyone tell her she can’t be this way. She stays authentically herself,” said Beguedou.
Beguedou has been involved in North High’s drama department for the past four years. She has had different supporting roles in productions like Elf the Musical, and stars in her first lead role this year in Once Upon a Mattress. Through this she has been a leader and a role model on and off the stage.
Fred Dixon, 10, plays the male lead in Once Upon a Mattress, Prince Dauntless. Dixon enjoys working with Beguedou.
“Aiden is a very talented individual, and she seems very comfortable and used to everything,” said Dixon.
Dixon also admires Beguedou’s ability to be in charge and take control of a group.
Susanna Kearney, the vocal music director, has managed the fall musical since she came to North three years ago. In that time, she got to know Beguedou very well.
“Aiden is a super hardworking and caring student. She is someone who is around to motivate and lift other students,” said Kearney.
Kearney has been very impressed with how Beguedou has stepped into her position in the cast.
“This year, in the lead role, she has really been a model as to what it takes to be in a musical: the hard work, the time, and the effort,” said Kearney.
Beguedou’s leadership is also displayed in the several other activities she is involved in at North. She is a part of show choir, National Honors Society, Student Ambassadors, and she manages the wrestling team.
Though Beguedou is a role model for many students, she has also had role models of her own.
In her four years at North, she has built strong relationships with many teachers who have had a strong influence in her life. She calls four faculty members at North: Amanda Gutierrez, Sheila Connor, Bridget Murphy, and Ashley Hawthrone her “school moms”.
“I go to each of them for different things and they have helped me and supported me through so much,” said Beguedou.
Beguedou has already been accepted into the College of Saint Mary, where she will double major in human biology and kinesiology. She intends to use her degrees to pursue a career as an athletic trainer.
Inspired by her family’s history of working in the medical field, Beguedou fell in love with the idea of being an athletic trainer.
“Sports injuries are a lot different than regular injuries and there is just something so fascinating about them,” Beguedou said.
Beguedou’s participation in theatre has brought her great friendships and experiences. She advises more people to get involved in drama, even if they would not describe themselves as a “theater kid.”
“We have people of all different [types], and I think if they came and saw what we do they would have a lot of fun,” said Beguedou.
