Bilingual plays are becoming more and more popular as America's population becomes more and more diverse. And they are fun, even for audiences and actors who know only one language. Like other McDonough/Alderete bilingual plays, Posadas and Señor Scrooge, each line is delivered in both English and Spanish. Or, the play may be all English or all Spanish.

If you think Cinderella had problems, wait 'til you take a look at this play. It's a merry mix-up of two sets of twins who get separated and lose track of each other. One set is female (including Cinderella) and one set is male. One of the males has mean stepbrothers just as one of the females has mean stepsisters. It all turns out happily ever after, of course, when Prince Charmin throws a big party.

From the author: Twinderella / Gemelarela, whether the Spanish language is used or not, is a play based in contemporary Hispanic culture. "Teens and slightly pre-teens identify with the story AND get the spoof elements. Play to third grade and up, and the upper the better."

The traditional clothing of rural Mexico is one direction to take, but another costuming approach is what I call "Tejano." Colors are bright and clothes are contemporary—usually based on boots, jeans, and beautiful shirts. This is my preferred approach. It is fantasy, of course, but it is less fairy tale and more a picture of Hispanic teens in the age-old quest for true love, with a little sleight-of-hand thrown in for spice.

"No Spanish speakers in class?" or "No English speakers in class?" Do the play in the native language of the class and drop the translations, or have a teacher, who is bilingual or nearly so, perform the part of the translator. The actor or actress must remain quiet and IN CHARACTER during the translation. Audiences are willing to "suspend disbelief" in a dramatic setting.

Get as close to twins as you can and forget about it. One show even had an African-American Slasarelo and a Hispanic Prince Charmin. Music for the party scene should be Hispanic tunes in the public domain. Some characters can be combined without too much adjusting. Detailed suggestions in the script cover all phases of production. One act; bare stage with 2 benches; present time.

Other bilingual plays: Tres Cerditos, Juanillo y la Planta de Frijoles, El Sueño Navideño, La Bella Durmiente

See also: Cinderella, The Liberated Cinderella