ARLINGTON – The Arlington High School drama department will perform the musical “Once Upon a Mattress” March 6-7, 13-14 at 7 p.m. at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center on campus.

The play is a fun take on the “Princess and the Pea” fairy tale. The story revolves around the ultimate helicopter mom, Queen Aggravain, who sets up tests for princesses to prevent them from marrying her son, the prince, as no one is good enough for her baby boy. Complicating matters, no one in the kingdom can wed until Prince Dauntless does, which proves tricky for a pregnant Lady Larkin and her Sir Harry. Will Princess Winnifred from the swamps have what it takes to pass the test? Maybe with a little help from the king and his jester. “This is a musical that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats from beginning to end,” director Scott Moberly said. “Using both comedy and action, the diverse cast of students keeps the audience entertained for the duration of the play.”

A matinee showing also is planned for 1 p.m. March 14. Tickets are $8 for senior citizens and students and $10 for other adults. Go to byrnesperformingarts.org/.