For generations, the fairytale of the 12 Dancing Princesses, penned by the Brothers Grimm, has captured imaginations with its mystery and magic. The story follows a king bewildered by his twelve daughters’ worn-out dancing shoes each morning, leading to a quest to uncover their secret nightly escapades. This timeless tale took a vibrant and heartwarming turn in a recent production that showcased the exceptional talents of a young and dedicated cast.
Thirty-four years ago, the seeds of a musical adaptation were sown when sisters Kathy Latham and Dorthy Keddington from Layton, Utah, were enchanted by their mother’s storytelling of the twelve princesses. This childhood fascination blossomed into a creative endeavor decades later. Keddington, along with her daughter Laura Bedore, envisioned a musical rendition of their cherished story, imagining princesses named after the months and a shoemaker perpetually busy replacing their mysteriously ruined shoes. Keddington enlisted Latham to compose the music, and with the collaborative spirit of Stephanie Clark, the musical “Princesses” began its journey.
For over a quarter of a century, “Princesses” has graced stages in various forms, captivating audiences through performances by high schools, church groups, community theaters, and colleges. Its enduring appeal lies in its charming narrative and opportunities for imaginative staging and choreography, perfectly suited for young performers.
Building upon this legacy, Kathy Latham, a former member of the Tabernacle Choir, spearheaded the creation of a new Young Performers edition two years ago. She collaborated with musicians from the Utah Symphony and Orchestra at Temple Square to record a fresh orchestral score, aiming to enhance the musical’s accessibility and appeal to younger audiences and performers alike.
Melinda Taylor, founder of Mountain Green Musical Theatre and Latham’s daughter, joined forces with her sister Lindsay Hickman to bring this revised version of “The 12 Dancing Princesses” to the stage. Taylor took on the role of producer, gathering a talented ensemble of former and current students from Mountain Green Middle School – some now in high school – alongside students from Morgan High School Theatre Department.
Expanding the production’s reach, Hickman’s son, George, a student at Davis High School, invited his theater enthusiast friends to audition. This outreach broadened the cast to include students from Northridge High School and Weber High School, creating a wonderful blend of talent from multiple schools. Rounding out this impressive “12 Dancing Princesses Cast” were students from Fairfield Junior School and Shoreline Junior High School, demonstrating the production’s commitment to involving a wide range of young performers.
Initially aiming for a summer 2023 premiere, the ambitious orchestral recording required more time than anticipated. However, this delay proved beneficial. As Taylor noted, “By waiting a year, our cast members had a year more of maturity and experience under their belts, making the summer 2024 show that much better!” This extra year allowed the young cast to further hone their skills and deepen their understanding of their roles.
Rehearsals commenced after spring break at Mountain Green Middle School, held twice weekly. These dedicated middle and high school students poured their energy into crafting a “spectacular performance” that graced the Weber State University’s Allred Theatre in the Browning Center from June 27-29. Each night saw sold-out audiences, testament to the community’s anticipation and support, with a preview show held on the 26th during the final costume rehearsal.
The production’s core objective was to honor the original musical’s spirit. Taylor adapted and revised the play specifically for young performers, skillfully trimming the length from two and a half hours to just over two hours. This was achieved by increasing the tempo, streamlining verses, and removing a song and a reprise, resulting in a more concise and engaging version for contemporary audiences. A new character, Lady Martha, was also introduced, adding a fresh dynamic to the narrative.
The stage burst with life thanks to lively melodies, intricate choreography, and visually stunning costumes. The young performers masterfully embodied their roles, their individual personalities shining through as they portrayed the princesses and their suitors. Hickman, the director, highlighted the ease of casting, remarking that each auditionee’s unique personality made finding the perfect fit for each role a delightful process. The chemistry between the performers and their dedication were palpable, contributing significantly to the show’s success.
Bringing together students from diverse schools can often present logistical and social hurdles. However, Taylor emphasized the unifying power of music and theater. The cast quickly bonded, forming close friendships. “They all became the best of friends,” Taylor shared, “we literally had the nicest group of kids ever.” This positive and collaborative atmosphere undoubtedly enhanced the quality of their performance and the overall production.
A production of this scale requires the collective effort of many individuals behind the scenes. Alongside Hickman’s direction and Taylor’s production and musical direction alongside composer Latham, Natalie Weeks contributed her choreographic talents to the musical numbers. Kelsey Hadley’s costume designs and Jason Harman’s set design, complemented by set dresser Shera Whimer, transported the audience to the enchanting kingdom of Govotte.
Reflecting on his experience, MHS student Dyson Turner, who played Avril, expressed his enthusiasm: “I really enjoyed being a part of this show. It was one of my favorite shows to be in and I’m glad I was able to bring Avril to life for people to see and enjoy.” Peter Gibbons, a Davis High student who played the shoemaker villain, also shared his positive experience: “Playing the villainous shoemaker was a party. I got to sing a dance with a bunch of little kids and they were the best!” Averyella Johnson, a student from MGMS, highlighted the personal growth and camaraderie she gained: “I enjoyed making new friends and gaining new acting experience.”
This revised Young Performers edition marked its premiere production with this run. Recognizing its potential for wider reach, the performances were recorded to promote the show to theaters nationwide. Many students involved expressed their hope for this to become an annual opportunity, indicating the positive impact and enriching experience this production provided for the young “12 dancing princesses cast” and everyone involved. The dedication and talent of this young cast truly brought the enchanting world of the 12 Dancing Princesses to life, leaving audiences spellbound and eager for future productions.
