The Magic Well

Book excerpt: Here at last is a dramatization of Hansel and Gretel which English -speaking audiences (children or adults) can love, yet which retains the true German flavor of the original Grimms fairy tale. A strong ethnic flavor can be given to your production by using the German folk songs and dances suggested in the script. The Director's Production Script gives simple scores of all music needed plus full details on how to do the folk dances - and even a lesson in how to speak with a German dialect. However the music and dialect can be omitted. Adults or children can play the title roles, making the play ideal for community, university, high school, or elementary theatre. This two-act dramatization of the delightful Grimms fairy tale - premiered by Fort Worth's Casa Manana Theatre in February 1969 - may be presented as a musical, with songs and provisions for dances written into the plot. Or it may be presented as a straight play without music. The plot resolves around the twelve beautiful but highly independent daughters of the king. They mysteriously wear out their shoes every night. Where do they go? What do they do? How do they get out of the castle? Nobody knows - and the king is willing to pay dearly to find out. In fact, the man who discovers the secret will receive not only a kingdom to rule, but his choice of the princesses in marriage. Many adventurers have tried to win the reward, only to end up on the Horrible Headsman's chopping block. Then along comes Brand, a young soldier who is supremely confident of his ability to solve any problem - but even he discovers that he urgently needs help. And it comes from the most delightful Fairy Godmother ever to cross a stage. -- from back cover.