Bobcat Stories

There was little to prepare the spectator who attended one of the performances of “Once Upon a Mattress” for the explosion of vibrant color, brilliant sound, and high-stepping action that unfolded in the Black Box Theater over seven performances in March. Megan Bode, director and choreographer, Doug Lowry, technical director, Julia Manganaro, musical director, and  Zach Lang, house manager, led a large cast and crew on their romp through this humorous adaptation of “The Princess and the Pea.” Flipping the passive princess narrative, Winnefred the Woebegone (Jazn ‘27) bulldozes her way into the heart of the privileged but overmothered Prince Dauntless (Isai ‘27). A fabulous array of court members are all hoping and waiting for the royal marriage, which would allow them to marry as well. Senior thespians taking their last bow included Dusti as Queen Aggravian, C.J. as King Sextimus the Silent, Lauren L. as Lady Larken, Emma as Minstrel, Julius as Sir Harry, Elia as Lady Merril, Maya as Lady Rowena, and Maddie, Lauren O., and Emmy as chorus members. Special guest performers Eva and Ellie, Ms. Manganaro’s twin daughters, stole the show as mischievous sheep.

Gideon (‘28) earned a nomination for Best Actor in the 2026 Enchantment Awards, also known as the New Mexico High School Theater Awards. Gideon brought his “soft shoe” physicality to the role of the Jester, serving as the king’s interpreter and partner in the plot’s subterfuges. One of 20 nominees from throughout the state, Gideon will compete at Popejoy Hall on May 3 for a chance to travel to New York City to participate at the national level in the Jimmy Awards. All the performers rose to the challenge of bringing these storybook roles to life and enriching them with individuality and depth. And of course, in the inevitable fairy-tale ending, kisses were exchanged, a curse was lifted, the tricksters had more to do with it all than you might expect, and all was well. 

Photos by Max Woltman