School Play to benefit Disaster Relief in Japan

da Vinci Arts Middle School presents “Once Upon A Mattress”  at 7 p.m. on April 8, 9, 15 and 16 with proceeds to benefit Peace Winds

Da Vinci Arts Middle School will perform the rollicking musical Once Upon A Mattress with a J-Pop twist on April 8, 9, 15 and 16. Once Upon A Mattress is the musical version of the Hans Christian Anderson classic fairytale, The Princess and The Pea.

Although the show has been in the works since December, when news of the earthquake and its destruction of Japan reached the school, students and drama teacher Tom Beckett immediately felt the urge to donate the show’s proceeds to disaster relief in that country. It seemed a perfect fit since the show’s costuming and staging has taken it’s cue from Harajuku street fashion; a fashion capital of the world, renowned for its unique style. Proceeds will be donated to Peace Winds. The middle school will make the donation through Peace Winds’ sister organization, Portland-based Mercy Corps. 

This fun for the whole family musical is directed by Adrianne Flagg, artistic director and co-founder of the Portland Theatre Brigade and former artistic director of The Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center. Stephen Alexander is the musical director.

Tickets are $5 and $10; available at the door or in the school’s office ahead of time. Show time is 7:00 pm. Da Vinci Arts Middle School is a focus option school within Portland Public Schools. It is located at 2508 NE Everett, Portland.

For more information, contact school Community Liaison, Connie Cheifetz, 503-916-5356 [email protected] .