”Rapunzel” was one of many stories collected in the early 18th century by professors Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, more popularly known as the Brothers Grimm.

The brothers travelled throughout Germany and other countries, collecting and writing down stories that had been handed down through word-of-mouth. Originally, they were trying to trace how the sounds of words change both over time and in different locations. Eventually, in 1812, they published the stories in a book, now known as Grimms Fairy Tales. The stories told to the Brothers Grimm were not intended for children, but as they were set down and then subsequently re-told, they changed. They are now mainly known as stories for children.

Most Grimms fairy tales can be seen as stories that speak about the various struggles people encounter on our way to become and to be fully human. The story of “Rapunzel” explores many themes. One of its most enduring themes is that an over-protective parent can unintentionally harm a child.

About the Show

This version of Rapunzel was first staged at the Heights Players in Brooklyn. Karen Rousso and her sister Judy Dulberg grew up performing in children’s theater on the Heights Players stage. Much later, “Rapunzel” became Karen’s first directing assignment from the theater.

The original cast was comprised of Katie Appel, Robert Fritz, David Gordon, Dawn Marie Hale, Maryrose Leggio, Mona B. Lipson, Leslie C. Nemet and Peggy Williams.

The original creative team included Karen Rousso (director), Holley Bartlett (musical director), Lauren Monte (choreographer and costume designer) and Allison Gregory (stage manager).

About the New York International Fringe Festival

“Rapunzel” is proud to be part of the 10th Anniversary of the New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC), a production of The Present Company. FringeJR is FringeNYC for families! These productions are specifically recommended for families and groups with children ages five (5) to twelve (12). $10 FringeJR tickets will be available to the youngsters for all FringeJR shows and may be purchased in person, in advance (before the day of the performance) at FringeCENTRAL, or at the box office where the show is playing 15 minutes prior to curtain.

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