Left Hand Valley Courier - All Local, All The Time

From Friday, Nov. 15 to Sunday, Nov. 17, Niwot High School will be performing the production "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon." The book "Grimm's Fairy Tales" was originally published in 1812 by Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm, and it was a compilation of 86 stories, although the brothers would continue to add stories until the book contained 210.

Over the years, these stories have morphed as a result of modern influences such as the Disney films. In Grimm's original story of "The Little Mermaid," when the mermaid is given her legs she is faced with extreme pain, the prince marries another girl, and when given the opportunity to kill the prince and return to the ocean or die, the mermaid chooses death. For those who are not familiar with Disney's depiction of "The Little Mermaid," it is certainly less morbid and ends happily. In "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon", the dark aspects of Grimm's original story are cast in a comical light, and it demonstrates how the stories have evolved over time.

From popular tales like "Cinderella", to obscure stories like "The girl without hands", this play has it all. Plus, with the audience participation that is popular in Don Zolidis' plays, "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon" becomes even more unique. At times the audience plays a part in the development of the story, and that combined with the witty narration creates an enjoyable experience for all.

Niwot High's director, Kathryn Colabroy-Foulke, originally chose this play because she didn't know the size of cast. As a first year teacher at Niwot, she wanted to choose a play with a cast that could be played with multiple different sizes.

In the end, a total of 30 people made up the cast, including Audrey Asbury as Little Red Riding Hood, Anna Eastland as Gretel, Nefeli Hadjiyannis as Rapunzel, Grable Howie as the frog prince and Hänsel, Ethan Rauschkolb as Rumpelstiltskin and Prince Charming, Peyton Tajchman as Snow White, Ellise Stager as Cinderella, Lily Thomas as the Girl Without Hands, and Mckenzie Hair and Jazz Mueller as the narrators.

Students were able to become involved in other aspects of the play as well; there are three student directors and two student technical directors. The technical crew contains over a dozen students as well, and their role is important in developing the setting of the play and the atmosphere.

In all, "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon" is a play that can be enjoyed by all, and the staff encourages everyone to come down to Niwot for a showing.

"The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon" will be performed in the Niwot High School auditorium at 7 p.m. on Friday Nov.15; 3. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 ,: and 4 p.m. on Sunday Nov. 17.