Meet a Most Unusual Princess in Once Upon a Mattress at Birmingham Village Players
Before Princess Leia led the Rebels in Star Wars. Before Princess Anna saved her sister in Frozen. Before Princess Diana fought for justice in Wonder Woman. There was Princess Winnifred.
Princess Winnifred is the effervescent heroine of the musical comedy Once Upon A Mattress, opening January 9, 2026 at Birmingham Village Players (BVP). Winnifred made her first appearance on-stage in 1959 and she was years ahead of her time.
“I love the character of Princess Winnifred,” said Jay Kaplan, the Director of the BVP’s production. “She is anything but a docile, frail flower. She is boisterous, spirited, open and extremely silly and funny.”
Once Upon A Mattress is a re-telling of the fable of “The Princess and the Pea.” When the show opened in 1959, it made a star out of Carol Burnett. It’s still one of the most popular shows performed in high schools, colleges, and community theatres. The heart and soul of the show is the character of Princess Winnifred and Kaplan believes he found her in Valencia Morgan of Southfield.
“Valencia Morgan who plays Winnifred, sings like a dream, and brings her humor, silliness, and warmth that will make the audience fall in love with her.”
This is Morgan’s first time appearing on the Village Players stage and she is delighted to be playing the spunky princess.
“What draws me to Winnifred is her go-getter attitude and her drive to succeed. Whilst being very silly, she is also very genuine, which I admire. It’s very hard not to like her.”
There’s a lot to like in this delightful production. Morgan is impressed with the people on and off stage.
“We have one of the most diverse and talented cast I’ve ever seen, as well as one of the kindest. Everyone is incredibly motivated and dedicated to putting on what I’m sure will be a phenomenal show.”
She also believes it is a great family show because it’s fun for parents and children. Both Kaplan and Morgan agree this princess has a message for everyone.
“What makes a true princess is not necessarily her physical appearance, but what's inside her soul, her spirit, and her heart,” said Kaplan. “In this day and age, where superficiality and appearances sometimes seem to overwhelm substance, we need more Princess Winnifreds. She wins everyone over with her spirit, her warmth, and her positive energy.”
“I hope that people take away that everything is not always what it seems,” said Morgan “and you should never judge a book by its cover or a Princess by her proximity to a swamp.”
Swamp? There’s a swamp in this show? Find out for yourself when Once Upon a Mattress runs January 9-25, 2026 at Birmingham Village Players. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30PM, and Sunday matinees start at 2PM. Individual reserved tickets are $30 (includes ticketing fee). Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office, 248-644-2075, or by placing an order on the website, www.birminghamvillageplayers.com.
About The Village Players:
The Village Players of Birmingham, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit community theater, presents high quality dramatic, comedic, and musical productions. Everyone is invited to participate on stage, backstage or as an audience member in the theater's main stage, youth theater, and Playwrights @ Work productions and programs. The Village Players have been entertaining the community from its location at 34660 Woodward Avenue in Birmingham since 1926.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3403192-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3403192-2
