Rumpelstiltskin

by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm

Published 1 July 1945
In this adaptation of the Grimms' story, children are discovered playing "Ladder words', changing one world to another, a letter at a time, retaining an actual word during each change. Grettle says she can change "flax" into "gold". Unfortunately, the King, whose gold has been mysteriously disappearing, hears this and mistakes it for an actual boast. He orders Grettle to work the change, or she will lose her head, despite the Prince's protests who's in love with her. She's shut in the Tower to perform her task, and Rumpelstiltzkin, the gnome, offers to help her - at a price.Large flexible cast

The Frog Prince

by Jacob Grimm

Published May 1977
Angry at being forced to keep her promise to a frog, the princess finally resorts to violent action with unexpected results.