Goody One Shoe

Of all the versions of "Cinderella" handed down by various cultures, why was the United States stuck with the syrupy translation of Frenchman Charles Perrault's tale? His Cinderella is a sappy little do-gooder who eventually forgives her wicked stepsisters. Better is the Brothers Grimm take, in which the stepsisters end...

By Patrick Williams

July 12, 2007

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Of all the versions of "Cinderella" handed down by various cultures, why was the United States stuck with the syrupy translation of Frenchman Charles Perrault's tale? His Cinderella is a sappy little do-gooder who eventually forgives her wicked stepsisters. Better is the Brothers Grimm take, in which the stepsisters end up with maimed feet and blinded by birds, or an Italian version in which Cinderella breaks her stepmother's neck. Now that's a woman with spirit. If you prefer your fairy tales G-rated, check out Casa Mañana's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical Cinderella through July 15 at Bass Performance Hall, Fourth and Calhoun streets in Fort Worth. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $30 to $79. Visit casamanana.org.
July 10-12, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., July 13, 8 p.m.; Sat., July 14, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., July 15, 2 & 7 p.m.

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Patrick Williams is editor-in-chief of the Dallas Observer. Before joining the staff in July 1997, Patrick worked for the Southern Illinoisan, Amarillo Globe News and San Antonio Express-News. As editor-in-chief, he oversees the newsroom and guides the coverage of both the Dallas Observer’s printed publication and online website.

Contact: Patrick Williams