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Reposted by Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam

John Scalzi @scalzi.com · 18/04/2025

I see that some of you, tragically, are not aware of one of the best lines from "Heathers" youtu.be/KpDF0NKQiLU

youtu.be

fuck me gently with a chainsaw. do i look like mother theresa?

YouTube video by nan

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 12/04/2025

We've just dropped our next show and it’s… 🧡 AVENUE Q! 🧡 Your favorite fuzzy, foul-mouthed friends are coming back to life on stage. Auditions open at the end of this month, so warm up those vocal cords! #AvenueQ #HEAProductions #MusicalTheatre

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

Wow! All our performances of Once Upon a Mattress are SOLD OUT! 😱✨ But don't fret, fairytale fans! Join us for the extra performance on March 29th at 2 PM ! 👑 www.heaproductions.nl/onceuponamat... #OnceUponAMattress #AmsterdamTheatre #HapillyEverAfter #AmsterdamTheatre

Fancy text reads:
Once upon a Mattress
29 March
14:00
EXTRA SHOW
Last Chance!

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

The cast of Once Upon a Mattress is ready to shake things up and bring a little fairy-tale magic to you! 👑 With only a few tickets left to our extra show on the 29th of march. So be fast and come join us? www.heaproductions.nl/onceuponamat... #OnceUponAMattress #ShakeMyHand #AmsterdamTheatre

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

🎉Join us for a royally hilarious time with the talented cast Pea, featuring the fabulous Aoife O'Mahony as Princess Winnifred for an extra performance of Once Upon a Mattress on March 29th at 2 PM! 🌟 👑 www.heaproductions.nl/onceuponamat... #OnceUponAMattress #AmsterdamTheatre #HapillyEverAfter

heaproductions.nl

Once Upon A Mattress — Happily Ever After Productions

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

✨ A Round of Applause for the Magic Behind the Curtain As the cast of Once Upon a Mattress shines on stage, there’s a whole world of talent working tirelessly behind the scenes to make the magic happen. 🎟️ See the magic come alive on stage! www.heaproductions.nl/onceuponamat...

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 23/03/2025

With only a few tickets left to our extra show on the 29th of march. Who’s ready to join us?💫 👉 Hit play and shake our hands—let’s make some magic happen! www.heaproductions.nl/onceuponamat... #OnceUponAMattress #ShakeMyHand #AmsterdamTheatre #HapillyEverAfter

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

🎺✨ Meet the Royal Band! Get ready to be swept off your feet by the melodies of the kingdom's finest musicians directed by Lori Evans! Whether it's a royal fanfare or a ballad, our band is here to set the tone. 📸: Chery Hart photography www.heaproductions.nl/onceuponamattress

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

⚜️Hear ye, hear ye!⚜️ Most of the Once Upon A Mattress shows are officially SOLD OUT!! 👀 Three more chances: ✨ 20/3 at 7pm ✨ 28/3 at 7pm ✨ 29/3 at 2pm (EXTRA SHOW) 🎟️ heaproductions.nl/onceuponamattress #OnceUponAMattress #AmsterdamStage #MusicalTheatre #AmsterdamTheatre #HappilyEverAfter

Image shows a list of show dates and times. Most shows have a red "Sold out" stamp over them. The shows for 20 March and 28 March lack this stamp, and the show for 29 March 14:00 show a green stamp proclaiming "Extra show"

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

🎭 Hear it Straight from the Audience! The kingdom is abuzz with rave reviews for Once Upon a Mattress! Watch what our delighted audience members are saying about the show—it’s a royal hit! 💬 Don't miss your chance to experience the laughter, music, and magic. www.heaproductions.nl/onceuponamat...

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

🌟 A Royal Triumph! 🌟 What an incredible opening weekend for Once Upon a Mattress! 🎭 The laughter, the music, and the magic truly brought the kingdom to life. 👑✨ 🎟️ Don't miss out—grab your tickets now and join the fun before the curtains close! www.heaproductions.nl/onceuponamat...

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

👸Once Upon a Mattress opens to a sold out audience tomorrow! Tickets are selling quickly with 4 sold out shows already, and several more getting very close. Don't miss your chance to see the true story unfold! 🎫 www.heaproductions.nl/onceuponamat... #OnceUponAMattress #AmsterdamTheatre #Musicals

A mostly text image showing a calendar array of 10 days representing show dates for Once Upon a Mattress. Red "Sold Out" stamps are shown over 15, 16, 22 (14:00), and 23 of March. Red "Almost sold out" stamps are showing over 21, 22 (19:00), and 30 of March. No stamp is shown on 20, 28, and 29 March, indicating several tickets are still available.

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

🎉The countdown is on! Once Upon A Mattress is almost here, and the cast is thrilled to bring their beloved characters to the stage! Don’t wait—secure your tickets now before they’re gone! #OnceUponAMattress #AmsterdamStage #MusicalTheatre #AmsterdamTheatre #HappilyEverAfter

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

🎉Just a few days left until Once Upon A Mattress hits the stage, and the cast can't wait to bring this story to life! Check out some of our cast’s favourite lines—what will be yours? #OnceUponAMattress #AmsterdamStage #MusicalTheatre #AmsterdamTheatre #HappilyEverAfter #GetYourTickets #Countdown

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

🏊Winnifred is ready to shake things up, and she’s got her eyes set on a brand-new challenge…but will the kingdom be ready for her? Find out this week at Once Upon a Mattress! 🎟️ heaproductions.nl/onceuponamattress #HappilyEverAfter #OnceUponAMattress #Amsterdam #MusicalTheater #AmsterdamDigest

A woman in a simple blue dress standing under an arch covered in vines thinks "Hey Diary". A very determined look is on her face.

Image is styled as a water stained piece of paper. Sketches of a castle, a frog with a heart above its head, and flowers adorn the edges. Text reads:

Hey diary,
I love my swamp, but what's the point of being a princess it you don t have an adventure:
I've done it all here: I wrestled crocodiles, raced frogs, built the best treehouse... lime to find a real challenge!!
I keep hearing stories about this royal family cooking tor a princess. I bet they've never met anyone like me before! This will be fun!!

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

"👑 The castle gates open this weekend! With just days to go before Once Upon a Mattress takes the stage, here’s a peek into the secret diary of our Prince. 👀 🎟️ heaproductions.nl/onceuponamattress #HappilyEverAfter #OnceUponAMattress #AmsterdamDigest #MusicalTheater "

A man in regal clothing and wearing a crown is laying face-down on the floor, propped up on his elbows. He is looking at an open books held in his hands. A thought bubble comes from his head saying "Dear Diary"

A hand-written page decorated with hearts and ornamental flourishes around the edge. The text reads:

Dear diary,
Sometimes I get the funniest feeling mama doesn't want me to
get married...
But I keep dreaming of a girl, strong, clever, and completely unexpected- who just might pass her test. Wouldn't that be something?
Ah, I want to meet my future bride so much!

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

They are supported in the Once Upon a Mattress production team by the brilliant Viivi Valpuri who has designed so many of HEA's fantastic costumes, and Trish Butterfield who has been the cast's vocal director through the rehearsal process.

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

The visionary founder of this remarkable international musical theatre company in Amsterdam (and director of Once Upon a Mattress) - Sara Watts, brilliant assistant director and choreographer - Brittany Sanders, and Lori Evans - our fantastic band director.

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

✨ The Queens at Happily Ever After: As we celebrate the great women of Once Upon a Mattress, we turn our spotlight to the inspiring female leadership of HEA Productions:

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

👑 The Queendom of Once Upon a Mattress♀️ Here's to all the Queens - on stage and beyond! Happy International Women's Day! #Queendom #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2025 #WomenInTheArts #WomenInHistory #Girlpower #HappilyEverAfter #OnceUppnAMattress

Text: The Team #Queendom

Below are 3 pictures of the 3 women who form the core artistic team of Once Upon a Mattress. The 3 pictures are composited together to make it look like they are standing in a group.

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

In 1967, she defied industry skepticism and created The Carol Burnett Show, which ran for 11 years and won 23 Emmy Awards. Fun fact: she later reprised her Mattress role in TV adaptations in 1964 and 1972, and in 2005 she returned as Queen Aggravain—the villain to her former character.

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Director George Abbott insisted on casting a fresh face, and when Burnett auditioned, she won the role instantly. The show earned her a Tony nomination and launched her career.

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Burnett discovered her comedic talent in college and moved to New York to pursue acting, working odd jobs while performing in cabarets. A parody song she performed on The Tonight Show and The Ed Sullivan Show in 1957 caught the attention of Broadway producers.

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

A legendary actress and comedian, best known for The Carol Burnett Show, one of the first comedy variety shows hosted by a woman. Before making television history however, she got her big break as Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress (1959).

2 photos of Carol Burnett. First in her later years wearing a sparkling embroidered shirt and posed for the camera, and second as a younger woman dressed as a royal person in stage costume.

Text reads:
Once upon a Mattress
March 2025
THE HIT BROADWAY COMEDY CLASSIC

The Legend
#Queendom

• BROADWAY STAR TURNED TU LEGEND
• THE ORIGINAL PRINCESS WINNIFRED
• FIRST WOMAN TO HOST A HIT VARIETY SHOW
• THE CAROL BURNETT SHOW WON 23 EmmY AwARDs

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Though she never reached the stardom she dreamed of, her defiance helped open doors for future Black actors in theatre.

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Her performance won him over, and she later reprised the role in two TV adaptations. Facing racial bias in casting—“too white” for Black roles, “too Black” for white ones—White still thrived in Shakespearean and Greek theatre, winning two Obie Awards.

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

In 1959, she auditioned for Queen Aggravain in Once Upon a Mattress, impressing composer Mary Rodgers. However director George Abbott refused to cast a Black woman as a medieval queen. Encouraged to audition again in “whiteface”, White reluctantly agreed. Abbott again objected—until he heard her.

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Jane White, a Black actress in an era when chances for women of colour in theatre were scarce. The daughter of NAACP leader Walter White, she grew up among civil rights icons but pursued her passion for the arts, landing her first major Broadway role in Strange Fruit-1945 #InternationalWomensDay

2 black and white pictures of Jane White cover the bottom half. 1) Dressed in stage costume of a queen while another actor looks at her with concern, 2) as an older woman singing into a microphone.

Text reads:
Once upon a Mattress
March 2025
THE HIT BROADWAY COMEDY CLASSIC
The Warrior
#Queendom

• BROADWAY ACTRESS WHO DEFIED RACIAL BARRIERS
• FOUGHT FOR RACIAL DIVERSITY IN THEATRE
• THE ORIGINAL QUEEN AGGRAVAIN
• TWO-TIME OBIE AWARD WINNER

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

It remains a staple in high schools and universities today. Reflecting on its enduring legacy, Mary once said “Some people have a medley of hits; I have a medley of one.”

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Their show was a hit, leading to its expansion into Once Upon a Mattress which debuted on Broadway in 1959. Though the show had mixed reviews at first, it became a lasting favorite with multiple revivals and TV adaptations.

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

That changed in 1958 when her friend, lyricist Marshall Bearer, invited her to collaborate at a summer resort. Newly divorced and a single mother of three, she took the chance. They wrote comedic songs for the camp’s revues, where Marshall pitched the idea for a retelling of The Princess and the Pea

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

🎶We begin with Mary Rodgers Born into a world of music, Mary Rodgers was the daughter of Richard Rodgers (of Rodgers & Hammerstein). She learned piano from him and spent her childhood immersed in Broadway rehearsals. Despite her talent, women composers struggled to find work in the 1940s and 50s.

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

👑The Queendom of Once Upon a Mattress♀️ As we approach International Women’s Day, we celebrate the daring Queens who changed the narrative and opened doors for future generations in musical theatre and beyond. #Queendom #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2025 #HappilyEverAfter #OnceUppnAMattress

2 black and white pictures of Mary Rodgers occupy the lower half. With one, she is younger, and sitting at a piano looking over her shoulder at the camera. The other shows her at an older age, with a wide smile and an elegant blouse and necklace.

Text reads:
Once upon a Mattress
March 2025
THE HIT BROADWAY COMEDY CLASSIC

The Author
#Queendom

• BROKE A DECADES-LONG GAP FOR WOMEN COMPOSERS
• FIRST WOMAN TONY-NOMINATED FOR BEST MUSICAL
• CHAIRED JUILLIARD, SHAPING GENERATIONS OF ARTISTS
• WROTE ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, NOW A THEATRE CLASSIC

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

💥Our first weekend is completely SOLD OUT!💥 Missed out on tickets for March 15-16? There’s still time to catch Once Upon a Mattress! Seats for March 20-23 and March 27-30 are disappearing fast. Get tickets now at heaproductions.nl/onceuponamattress! #OnceUponAMattress #MusicalTheatre

A woman dressed in royal red and styled as a queen is looking at you. A knowing smirk is on her face. Another woman dressed as a wizard is whispering something into her ear.

Text reads "Wickedly good news. First weekend is sold out"

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

🎼🪕MEET THE MINSTREL (Cast Pea) Get ready to hear the dulcet tones of Wesley Curtis in cast Pea as he unfolds the true events behind the fairytale.... 📸: Cheryl Hart photography #OnceUponAMattress #MusicalTheatre #Amsterdam #HappilyEverAfter #TossACoin

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

🎼🪕MEET THE MINSTREL (Cast Mattress) Dean Benjamin will give the truth behind the story you think you know. As the minstrel from cast Mattress, he’ll sing the song of what really happened... 📸: Cheryl Hart Photography #OnceUponAMattress #MusicalTheatre #Amsterdam #HappilyEverAfter #TossACoin

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

🎭🔔MEET THE JESTER (Cast Pea) You’ll be delighted at the capering jester played by Lin Schalken as she shakes her bells for the cause of love in cast Pea! 📸: Cheryl Hart Photography #OnceUponAMattress #MusicalTheatre #Amsterdam #HappilyEverAfter #DancingThroughLife

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

🎭🔔MEET THE JESTER (Cast Mattress) Get ready to clap at the japes of Rozemarijn Balemans as she tries to dance around the machinations of the queen as the Jester in cast Mattress! 📸: Cheryl Hart photography #OnceUponAMattress #MusicalTheatre #AmsterdamTheatre #HappilyEverAfter #DancingThroughLife

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

👑🤫MEET HIS MAJESTY KING SEXTIMUS THE SILENT!! (Cast Pea) He may not have anything to say with words, but Nick Herman will see that love makes a connection as the King in cast Pea! 📸: Chery Hart Photography #OnceUponAMattress #MusicalTheatre #AmsterdamTheatre #HappilyEverAfter

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

Don't forget it's Valentines tomorrow! Say I love you with theatre tickets to Once upon a Mattress, the hit broadway musical comedy based on the Princess and the Pea in original english language. Amsterdam Theaterhuis, March 15th-30th 2025 🎟️ www.heaproductions.nl/onceuponamat... #AmsterdamTheatre

A background of red hearts. Lower left corner shows a man dressed as a prince being lifted by a woman in a simple blue and green dress. Both people are smiling. Text reads:
Once upon a Mattress
THE FAIRYTALE MUSICAL COMEDY OF THE YEAR
The perfect date?
Laughter, love, and a little theatre magic!

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

👑🤫MEET HIS MAJESTY KING SEXTIMUS THE SILENT!! (Cast Mattress) He might not be able to talk, but you’ll know what Marc De Wolf is thinking as the King of the land for cast Mattress. 📸: Cheryl Hart photography #OnceUponAMattress #MusicalTheatre #AmsterdamTheatre #HappilyEverAfter

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

💫🔮MEET THE WIZARD (Cast Pea) Introducing Michael Schilder as the Wizard in Cast Pea, a magician with a curious past, and a flair for the dramatic! ✨ #OnceUponAMattress #MusicalTheatre #AmsterdamTheatre #HappilyEverAfter

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

💫🔮MEET THE WIZARD (Cast Mattress) Introducing Roos Dros - bringing cunning, magic, and absolute devotion to the Queen as the Wizard in Cast Mattress! ✨ #OnceUponAMattress #MusicalTheatre #AmsterdamTheatre #HappilyEverAfter

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

👑⚡MEET QUEEN AGGRAVAIN (Cast Pea) Prepare to be captivated by the insane charisma of Shiro Mungai as Queen Aggravain, the one-woman barrier between Dauntless and marriage! #OnceUponAMattress #MusicalTheatre #AmsterdamTheatre #HappilyEverAfter

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

👑⚡MEET QUEEN AGGRAVAIN (Cast Mattress) Get ready to be swept away by the fearless energy of Alex Mukmanova as Queen Aggravain, the kingdom’s most controlling mother, in Cast Mattress! #OnceUponAMattress #MusicalTheatre #AmsterdamTheatre #HappilyEverAfter

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

💐✨ MEET LADY LARKEN (Cast Pea) Prepare to be enchanted by graceful Lady Larken portrayed by Natalie Bommelé Salek in Cast Pea! #OnceUponAMattress #HEAProductions #MusicalTheatre #HappilyEverAfter #AmsterdamTheatre

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

💐✨ MEET LADY LARKEN (Cast Mattress) Get ready to fall for Lady Larken’s elegance and charm, beautifully embodied by Rosemary Lloyd in Cast Mattress! #OnceUponAMattress #HEAProductions #MusicalTheatre #HappilyEverAfter #AmsterdamTheatre

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

⚔️✨MEET SIR HARRY (Cast Pea) António De Souza is set to shine as the gallant Sir Harry in Cast Pea! ⚔️✨ #OnceUponAMattress #HEAProductions #MusicalTheatre #HappilyEverAfter #AmsterdamTheatre

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Happily Ever After Productions Amsterdam @heaproductions.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

⚔️✨MEET SIR HARRY (Cast Mattress) Bringing chivalry (and shiny spurs) to Sir Harry in Cast Mattress is Blace Newkirk! #OnceUponAMattress #HEAProductions #MusicalTheatre #HappilyEverAfter #AmsterdamTheatre

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