I actually like this musical, I was in it once. This adaptation is worse than my high school production and that is genuinely sad. Both Tracy Ullman (whom I do sort of like) and David O'Hare (who I am sure was good in something) are far to old for the parts of Winnefred and Dauntless and they were both so boring in fun roles. The really disappointing character is Aggrivaine played by Carol Burnett. She could have done so many more interesting things with the role but her delivery was as flat as her emotions. She is supposed to be evil, but is instead so bland and dull, despite her costumes, that you never actually dislike her. Aggrivaine is played like a female drag queen who has discovered the Bob Mackie outfits Cher discarded in the late 80's. The character would be a mannequin if she didn't have the costumes. Oddly enough the best castings are for the minor parts. Zooey Deschanel, Matthew Morrison and Michael Boatman are all really good. As is Tom Smothers who I thought was dead but evidently he's alive and kicking and doing a pretty decent job at playing Sextemus. These four were the only ones who seemed to have any really understanding that this musical is supposed to be light and happy. The three leads just didn't get it and most of the film is about them. The production values were decent and it could have been a worthwhile project if they had gotten anyone else in the main roles. If you find yourself forced to watch it, fast forward until you see anyone who isn't them.
Review of Once Upon a Mattress
