Fall Play: Grimmerest

In this Halloween-inspired show, we explore the idea of fear and why many of us enjoy frightening ourselves. With three lesser-known stories from the Brothers Grimm, we ratchet up the spook factor.

The first play, Hans-My-Hedgehog, is appropriate for all ages, and follows the odd journey of a boy born half human – half hedgehog. It is silly and strange, but not scary.

For Act 2, things get a little darker with The Three Snake Leaves, a story about a tragic princess’s death and mysterious resuscitation from three magical leaves delivered by snake.

And finally, our third story, The Juniper Tree, is the darkest. Although… while the tale’s contents are quite gruesome, our staging is non-gory and often hidden from the audience. Generally.

Between each play, our hosts explain that things will be getting a little scarier and kids are invited to a brighter, sunnier alternative activity in another space. In this way, we hope to playfully open up discussions about what makes us afraid and when something is too much. We’ve tried hard to strike the balance.

And while we all have different temperaments, our story selections and staging were crafted so that Act 1 is suitable for almost all EC kids, Act 2 is suitable for some EC and most LS, and Act 3 for some LS and nearly all MS and beyond. This production includes imaginative staging, live music, and puppetry. We hope to see you there! Seats are limited, so get your tickets soon.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Steven Slaughter, MS English & Theater, at steven.slaughter@bennettday.org.