Multiple schools join together for a revised production of ‘The 12 Dancing Princesses’

The 12 Dancing Princesses, a lesser known fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm, tells the story of 12 princesses who frustrate their father, the king, when he wakes every morning to find their dancing shoes in tatters. An award of marriage is offered to anyone who can solve the mystery of his daughters’ shoes being worn out each morning. After several men fail, an old soldier returning from war is aided by an old woman and an invisibility cloak to discover where the princesses go at night.

Thirty four years ago, this fairy tale came to life for Kathy Latham and her sister Dorthy Keddington of Layton, Utah. After being captivated as young children by their mom telling them the story of 12 princesses who danced every night at an enchanted ball, Keddington and her daughter Laura Bedore, came up with the idea of a musical version of their favorite fairy tale with the princesses being named after each month of the year and a shoemaker getting rich as he supplied dozens of dancing shoes to replace those worn to pieces each night. Keddington asked Latham to write the music and with the help of Stephanie Clark they were off and running.

For over 25 years, “Princesses” has been performed by dozens of high schools, church groups, community theaters and colleges.

Two years ago, Latham, a former member of the Tabernacle Choir, enlisted help from members of the Utah Symphony and Orchestra at Temple Square to record a new Young Performers edition.

Melinda Taylor, founder of Mountain Green Musical Theatre, and daughter of Latham, decided to collaborate with her sister Lindsay Hickman to produce this revised version of “The12 Dancing Princesses.”

Taylor gathered former and current students from Mountain Green Middle School that had performed with her during their middle school years, some who are now in high school and students from Morgan High School Theatre Department to audition for the play. 

Hickman’s son, George, who attends Davis High School reached out to several of his theatre friends to audition. In addition students from Northridge High School and Weber High School auditioned bringing high school students from multiple schools together. To round out the cast, students from Fairfield Junior School and Shoreline Junior High School also joined in. 

It was anticipated that the new orchestra recording would be completed by 2023 and hoped to produce the show that summer. However, the recording took longer than they had thought. “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!” said Taylor. 

With rehearsals beginning after spring break at Mountain Green Middle School, two nights a week, these high school and middle school students pulled off a spectacular performance that was performed at Weber State University’s Allred Theatre in the Browning Center June 27-29 to sold out audiences each night with a preview show during their final costume rehearsal on the 26th.

“Our goal was to stay true to the original musical as much as possible,” said Taylor who adapted and revised the play for young performers. Trimming down the length from two and half hours to just over two hours with speeding up the tempo, cutting a few verses along with one song and one reprise left the audience with a more succinct version. In addition a new character Lady Martha was added.

With lively melodies, intricate choreography and vibrant costumes, the stage came to life as the young performers captivated the audience. Their distinctive traits seamlessly brought the princesses and their suitor together, igniting a connection between each couple. Hickman who directed, said this was a fun show to cast as each one who auditioned showed their personality which made it easy

Bringing students together from different schools can present challenges; however, Taylor said that these students learned that music and theater bring people together. They all became the best of friends “we literally had the nicest group of kids ever.”

Productions of this size are not possible without many individuals pulling together. In addition to Hickman directing, Taylor, along with the composer, Latham, brought the talented singing voices together as the musical directors. Hickman with the help of Natalie Weeks, choreographed the musical numbers. Costume designer, Kelsey Hadley and set designer Jason Harman along with set dresser Shera Whimer dressed the stage to transport the audience to the distant kingdom of Govotte. 

“I really enjoyed being a part of this show,” said MHS student, Dyson Turner. “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.”

"Playing the villainous shoemaker was a party,” said Davis High student Peter Gibbons. “I got to sing a dance with a bunch of little kids and they were the best!"

Averyella Johnson, a student from MGMS said, “I enjoyed making new friends and gaining new acting experience.”

Being the first time this revised version has been produced, the show was recorded and will be used to promote the show nationwide. 

Many students expressed the hope that this becomes a yearly opportunity.λ