Isn't princess Winninfred supposed to be outgoing and funny in "Once upon a mattress?"?

Question

I'm in a musical this summer called, "Once upon a mattress." I am playing Princess Winnifred. One of the ladies that's helping out with the show told me that Fred's chacter is really dry. I was totally taken back by this, because I thought that Fred is just the opposite of dry, and I will not be playing this character dry at all but really goofy and funny. She also said that Lady Larkin is the one that is the best role to play because she is so funny. I could just be offended because I'm really excited about getting this part and she was basically telling me that nobody really wants the part of Fred. Anyway, am I right, isn't Fred the opposite of dry?

Answer 1

Hello!

I was in a production of "OuaM" so here's my input (and congrats on getting that role!)

Winnifred has a good heart and she's got a very good sense of humor - she's no damsel in distress! She's sassy and a bit sarcastic, but in a witty way. So witty sarcasm, but not too harsh.

Lady Larkin isn't really supposed to be the Lucille Ball kind of funny like Winnifred is supposed to be - rather, her "damsel in distress" attitude and her dialogue with Sir Harry is what is supposed to make her funny (when he says to her "We all make mistakes" after she tells him she's pregnant).

But yeah, if I had to choose between playing "Fred" or Lady Larkin, I would choose Fred hands down. Much more fun :)

But yes, you're right about your gut feeling about Fred - so as long as the director agrees with your interpretation about the character, go for it!

Answer 2

Sounds like a classic case of the green-eyed monster...don't listen!  Develop your own interpretation of the character, and also take on board what the director has to say because they'll have good ideas about what Fred should be like as well.

Answer 3

It's up to you to choose her sense of humor.

When I played Winnifred I made her sense of humor sort of witty and sophisticated, and I got really positive feedback.

And..Winnifred is more fun to play than larken.

You don't have to worry about posture, if your voice cracks, it's funny, and  if dauntless is gross, there's no make out scene!

I loved playing winnifred.

Answer 4

You are correct. That lady doesn't know what she's talking about.

the whole song "Shy" is one big sarcastic monster, since nothing about Fred is shy!

Answer 5

omg i love that musical

fred isnt dry in the least! she can be a little bitter (happily ever after) but dry and humorless she is not. congrats

i would play her like a goofy 13 year old boy