Lear deBessonet is a Tony-nominated director and the Artistic Director of the Encores! series at New York City Center. We spoke with her about her journey to becoming a director, and what makes this production of Once Upon a Mattress so important to her.
Could you share your personal journey into directing and the ways of deeply engaging with communities?
I grew up in Louisiana and my earliest theatrical influences were Mardi Gras, church, and football games—all of which rely on music. I believe the theater exists as a sanctuary of humanity, giving us a place to come together and marvel about what we share in common—the big complex emotions, the comedy and tragedy of being human. Having loved musicals since I was a child, it’s a dream to be at Encores! where we revel in that history and get to bring great works of the past alive for audiences today in vibrant new ways.
What does it mean to you to serve as Artistic Director of Encores! in this celebratory 30th Anniversary season at New York City Center?
It is a thrill and honor to serve as Encores! Artistic Director. I’m constantly humbled by the magnificent history of this theater and the body of work that comes before me—Encores! has been an artistic home for musical theater greats, and exists to celebrate and bring to life the history of musical theater. I love the opportunity to have inventive, brave artists of today in conversation with our past—it’s beautiful.
Once Upon a Mattress is a retelling of a popular fairytale, this time with a new concert adaptation from Amy Sherman-Palladino. What can audiences expect from this fresh version?
Once Upon a Mattress always has been a big-hearted comedy, with a LOT of physical humor. You can expect from us a great time at the theater, with smart jokes, ridiculous jokes, and a fairytale you don’t want to end.
What does Princess Winnifred, as the unconventional Princess, mean or represent to you? And/or what made Once Upon a Mattress a good fit for this Encores! season?
Princess Winnifred—who prefers the nickname Fred—lives in a state of total freedom and delight at the world. She doesn’t follow any of society’s rules, and yet with her big heart and infectious sense of fun, people can’t help but love her and want to be around her. She invites everyone else to be in freedom and joy too, and that’s transformative. She inspires me to want to be a person like that.
If there is one thing you could share with our student audience before seeing the show, what would you want them to know?
You are invited into the fun! The thing I love most about theater is the relationship with the audience—unlike TV or film where the artists finish making something and then an audience consumes it, our work as theater artists is never complete without you, the audience. The actors and musicians are waiting for you—for your reactions, your curiosity, your energy. So when you see the show, please don’t hesitate to laugh, gasp, and join us for the fun of Once Upon a Mattress!
