Once Upon a One More Time @ Audubon High School

"From the Bottom of My Broken Heart," Audubon High School's production of "Once Upon a One More Time" showcased endless creativity and talent, reminding audiences that happily ever after does not always guarantee happiness.

"Once Upon a One More Time," a jukebox musical based on music by Britney Spears and a book by Jon Hartmere, first opened at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in 2021. After a year-long run, it transferred to Broadway in June 2023 before closing in September. In the story, a passionate Fairy Godmother introduces fairy-tale princesses to a feminist book, sparking a rebellion against the misogynistic rules of their fairy-tales and inspiring them to rewrite their own narratives.

Audubon's cast energized the stage with humor and creativity. From the dramatic attitudes of the iconic stepsisters, to the precise delivery of every joke, the performers never missed a beat. Roaring laughter filled the room, and the cast's use of American Sign Language offered an inclusive perspective that strengthened their storytelling.

Emma Cochran gave a remarkable performance as Cinderella. Her strong vocals during songs like "Everytime" paired well with her confident stage presence that commanded the stage. Cochran effectively guided the audience through Cinderella's emotional journey. Kyle Brown brought hilarious charm to his role as Charming. Brown fully leaned into the character's high ego, highlighting his comedic bits. Each dramatic reaction earned loud audience responses, perfectly showcasing his character's need to be the center of attention in every room.

Aiden Myers tugged at the audience's heartstrings as Prince Erudite. Myers balanced Prince Erudite's warmth while exploring his character's connection with Drowsy, played by Chase Quinn. Their storyline truly challenged traditional fairy-tale expectations. Lizzy Holland (Snow White) flourished in her acting skills. Holland captured the character's transformation from an appearance-focused princess to a powerful leader. She revealed Snow White's growing sense of strength.

The tech and stage crew performed phenomenally in terms of special effects, hair and makeup, and props. The portal, created by Rico Difrancesco and used to banish the fairy-tale characters, was a creative addition, adding a dark element to the story. The whimsical bows and bold eyeshadow worn by the stepsisters emphasized their dramatic personalities by drawing even more attention to their characters. Snow White's Act One makeup replicated the original animated movie, but she switches it in Act Two after joining the feminist protest, showing her growing understanding of herself. The use of realistic modern props, such as the light-up trees, also stood out and helped bring audiences deeper into the story.

Overall, Audubon High School's electric rendition of "Once Upon a One More Time" created an engaging and exciting experience. Through their strong performance and powerful storytelling, the production kept audiences invested from the beginning to the end. By the final curtain, audiences could not help but "Scream & Shout" to see the production one more time.