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A secret kingdom, a trail of ruined shoes and a determined young soldier will take the stage in Falls Church when Twelve Dancing Princesses / Doce Princesas Bailarinas opens March 13.
Creative Cauldron’s musical adaptation of the Brothers Grimm tale will run through March 29, 2026, at 127 E. Broad St. The production incorporates Spanish-language elements and original music by Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith.
The story follows a group of princesses who are locked inside their room every night. By morning, their dancing shoes are mysteriously worn through. After the king offers a royal marriage to anyone who can explain what is happening, a young soldier sets out to uncover the princesses’ secret and discovers a magical dancing kingdom.
The show is the latest production from Creative Cauldron’s Learning Theater program, an inclusive, multigenerational initiative for students in third grade and above. As many as 35 students work with professional actors and directors during an intensive eight-week workshop, developing and rehearsing an original musical before completing a 12-performance public run.
Laura Connors Hull adapted the production, with Spanish translation by Alan Gutierrez Urista. Hull and Ariel Friendly are directing, while Conner serves as music director and choreographer.
Margie Jervis designed the scenery and costumes, Hailey Roe created the lighting and projections, and Nicholas Goodman is the stage manager. Mike and June Beyer are sponsoring the production.
Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays.
Adult tickets cost $20, student tickets are $18, family four-packs are $65 and livestream access is $15. Tickets are available online or by calling 703-436-9948.
Founded by Hull in 2002, Creative Cauldron is a nonprofit theater and educational arts organization. It recently moved into a new theater at the Broad and Washington development after raising approximately $725,000 over two years through a capacity campaign that initially sought $500,000. The venue is expected to serve as the organization’s permanent home for the next 30 years.