Chicago actor and musician Jeffrey Fahey is back in his hometown of Hutchinson to direct the Hutchinson Theatre Company’s summer musical, “Once Upon a Mattress.” The show is based on the fairytale “The Princess and the Pea.”  The story centers around Prince Dauntless the Drab whose mother, Queen Aggravain, seeking to keep the boy to herself, has declared that he will wed only a true princess of royal blood. When Princess Winnifred arrives dripping wet (having swam the moat) and declares herself a contender for the Prince’s hand, the queen devises a clever test to determine whether this self-proclaimed princess is worthy of her son.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Aug. 7, 8, and 9 at Hutchinson High School. Tickets are on sale. New this year is reserved seating. Purchase tickets either online at www.hutchtheatre.org or by visiting the Hutchinson Area Chamber Office.