This story of Ashputtel (a girl that slept by ashes), has many similarities to Disney’s Cinderella (a girl that slept cinders), a story that all of us love and know so well. Since Ashputtel is also a Cinderella story, it shares many of the same characters and story as Disney’s Cinderella and children are easily able to identify and follow along.
Ashputtel has all your basic characters: step-sisters, step-mother, beautiful girl and prince. However, Ashputtel is based on the original Grimm folktale of Cinderella, so don’t be misled into thinking that it will be just like Disney’s adaptation of the Cinderella story that you and your children are so accustomed to. There is no fairy godmother in this story – Ashputtel turns to her mother’s spirit for guidance, which is portrayed play by using white doves. Also, in this story, the father is still alive, but is constantly being sent away on tasks by the step-mother so he is not there to look after Ashputtel.
Additionally, like the original Grimm’s Cinderella folktale, the step-sisters cut off parts of their foot to fit into Ashputtel’s shoe, so that they can marry the Prince. The cutting of the toe/heel was done in a comical manner, but some kids were scared of the big knife. They also seemed confused since this is not in Disney’s Cinderella version. My 3 year old son on the other hand was amused by the knife and went home and reenacted the scene for his daddy using his toy kitchen knife. Each child will react differently, but it is good to know what to expect before you go to watch the show.
Would SuperMommy recommend Ashputtel: Yes! I was pleasantly surprised with the Ashputtel musical production of Cinderella. It was entertaining for both adults and kids alike, unlike some of the other kid’s productions I recently attended, I truly enjoyed myself. This production felt like a mixture of Disney’s Cinderella meets Aladdin (two of my favorite stories). It was an engaging and witty script (with hints of sarcasm for the adults). My son enjoyed the singing and dancing, and of course the classic happy ending. I loved the original songs and dancing. Instead of having just one ball, there were there “festivals” with different themes – masquerade, disco and Bollywood. However, just to avoid confusion (and disappointment) make sure you tell your kids this is a story “similar” to Disney’s Cinderella, but it is not Disney – this is the original Brother’s Grimm version.
Extra Helpful Notes:
If you are driving, make sure to get there early. The Alliance Francaise Theatre does not have parking. You need to park at the Prudential at Scotts or at Balmoral Plaza. Also, make sure you bring a light sweater for your child or a small blanket, it can get cold inside the theatre.
Ashputtel’s – A Cinderella Story production will be in Singapore until November 17th, 2012 at the Alliance Francaise Theatre. The show is 50 minutes long with no interval. Tickets are still available for Ashputtel and can be purchased from Sistic. So get your tickets soon before they sell out!
Ashputtel : The story of Cinderella show dates and times
25 October to 17 November 2012
Venue: Alliance Française Theatre
Time: Tue & Fri, 9.30am & 11.30am
Wed, 11.30am & 2.30pm
Thu, 9.30am, 11.30am & 2.30pm
Sat, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Sun, 11.30am & 5pm
Ticket Prices:
Standard – $28.00
Family package of 4 -$106.40
Family Package of 5 – $126.00
Book your tickets now here at Sistic
Article by SuperMommy
Neetu Mirchandani is a native Californian, but has permanently made her home in Singapore for the last five years. She has two little boys, ages 1 and 3, who are the center of her universe. Before venturing into motherhood, she was a practicing lawyer and her experience explains her Type “A”, super-organized, perfectionist persona, as it has trickled down into her everyday life as a Mommy. If being a Mommy is her new job, then being the best mommy or in her words, being a “SuperMommy” is what she strives to be.