The story of “The Princess and the Pea” will be told with a few new twists, as Ames Community Theater [ACTORS] presents “Once Upon a Mattress” this weekend and next at Fisher Theater in Ames.

“Once Upon a Mattress” is the musical tale of Prince Dauntless, son of Queen Aggravain and King Sextamus. The overprotective Queen Aggravain will not allow anyone in the kingdom to marry until a bride is found for Dauntless. This causes problems for several people in the kingdom, but the Queen will only accept a Princess who passes her strict sensitivity test.

Director Mike Miller said that he has always been a big fan of the show, so when ACTORS asked him to be a part of the production around a year ago he jumped at the opportunity.

“I like to have a play a year ahead, especially a big musical,” Miller said. “I read the play at least three times, start laying out what the sets are going to look like in the areas and assemble a production crew.”

Miller said it is during this long process that he starts to realize what he wants the show to look like.

“I actually get some of my best [ideas] when I’m dreaming about it, when I see it in my head,” Miller said.

Miller said that there are always surprises when he eventually casts the show.

“I have a type of character in mind for a specific part in the show, but that all changes when we go into casting,” Miller said. “I found some very surprising characters, different from what I imagined the character to be, which is perfectly fine. They’re great, actually.”

Miller said that there was a pretty large turnout for auditions. Out of around 70 or 80 auditionees only 36 were cast.

Miller said he has really enjoyed working with the cast of “Once Upon a Mattress.”

“During the rehearsal process of other shows I’ve directed you have to bring people out of their shells,” Miller said. “With this cast it’s been more like I’ve had to hold them back a bit — which is a great thing for a director. The jester in particular is very flamboyant.

“This is a very strong cast,” Miller said. “Several are very experienced, others are new to Ames Community Theater.”

As with any musical, singing is essential.

“The cast’s singing blew me away at the first rehearsal,” Miller said.

Each summer ACTORS puts on a show in Fisher Theater, and Miller said it is a great opportunity for them.

“I love working in Fisher,” Miller said. “At [ACTORS studio] we have no fly or wing space, and Fisher also has a larger stage. Fisher is a nice intimate theater, and the scene shop is great,” he said.

Miller said that “Once Upon a Mattress” should provide a good evening of entertainment.

“It’s just an evening of good songs and laughter,” Miller said. “It’s a fun show, a night of enjoyment.”

“Once Upon a Mattress” performs June 18, 19, 25, and 26 at 8:00 p.m., and June 20, and 27 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $14 for children, and $13 for senior citizens, and available at John Huber Clothier, CY Stephens box office, and all Ticketmaster locations.