DANBURY — There could not be a more pleasant way to spend a warm summer evening than under the stars, a gentle breeze blowing and being entertained by a cast of performers who are totally in love with musical theatre.

This is just the experience being offered again this year by Musicals at Richter. Opening their 2015 season of outdoor musical productions with the whimsical, funny fairy tale Once Upon a Mattress, MAR is inviting everyone to share in this traditional pastime.

Set in the 15th Century, with some hilariously updated dialogue, Once Upon a Mattress tells the tale of a conniving, verbose qeen who cannot let go of her overgrown son. She continually puts authentic princesses to impossible tests in order to dismiss them as potential mates for the child-ike prince

Queen Aggravin, played by Priscilla Squiers, has the whole castle on edge as she has rules that no one can marry until an appropriately royal princess is found for Prince Dauntless the Drab (Billy Dempster),who implores her with “I like her, can I please marry her now?”

The conditions become increasingly challenging for Lady Larkin (Jessica Schwartz) and her beau, Sir Harry (Jacob Eventoff), a young couple in love and in need of a quick marriage after a night spent “looking at the moon.

When the need becomes dire, Sir Harry pledges to Lady Larkin that he will go off and find a suitable mate for Prince Dauntless so that they too can marry.  He comes back with Princess Winnifred the Woebegone (Jessica Smith), a hard to believe she is a real princess character with remarkable athletic prowess and total lack of pretension. A horrified Queen Aggravin colludes with her Wizard (Matt Austin) and arranges for a particularly sneaky test to reveal Winnifred’s lack of sensitivity which is evidence of a dearth of royal blood.  

No spoiler here; ou have to go and see how it all plays out, and play it does. It is a completely campy, lively piece of theaterthat serves simply to entertain. And it does.

The cast is rounded out by the usual castle comrades, a minstrel played by Robert Bria, a Jester played by Todd Santa Maria,and the lecherous and aptly named King Sextimus the Silent, pantomimed by Ted Schwartz.

Among this talented and fun loving cast are some standouts, most particularly Jessica Schwartz of the absolutely lovely voice and charming personality. She infusesher character and songs with genuine talent. Her duet, “n a Little While,”with Jacob Eventoff, is just lovely. He also has been with a beautiful voice.

As Princess Woebegone, Jessica Smith is broadly funny and determined. She is also a very capable vocalist.

Matt Austin as the wizard is incredibly comical, employing the most natural and outrageously amusing facial expressions. 

Robert Bria, as the minstrel, sings the introduction, letting the audience know of the fairy tale to be told. Mr Bria, who loves performing in musical theater, sets the tone from the outset and the audience cannot help but get caught up in the enthusiasm, humor and music.

Pack a picnic, ice some drinks and head to Richter Park for a real treat. Audiences are leaving a little lighter on their feet and humming a familiar tune or two. 

Performances continue Thursday through Sunday evenings at 7:15.

Musicals at Richter performances are presented on the back lawn of Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road in Danbury.

Tickets and additional information are available at musicalsatrichter.org or by calling 203-748-MUSE (203-748-6873.