Hit the 'Town'

By Vera Zukelman

A runaway princess, a talking donkey, a singing rooster, and music-loving cat and dog are coming to the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts — and, no, it’s not some knock-off production of “Shrek.”

It’s “The Bremen Town Musicians,” a candy-colored, Broadway-style musical based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale which is coming to America after an acclaimed overseas run.

The story follows a band of animals that shares a dream of becoming musicians in the city of Bremen. Along the way, the fauna meet a wandering musician and a runaway princess, face bad guys and ultimately learn about the importance of love, friendship, team-work and following ones dreams.

The production is in Russian with no English subtitles — but that’s the point.

“We wanted to bring something bright to the Russian community in New York,” said promoter Anton Krylov. “The musical is for families that don’t want to lose their cultural ties. People remember the original movie and it’s great for the new generation of children to become familiar with one of the most famous Russian cartoons of all time.”

“The Bremen Town Musicians” at Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts [2900 Campus Rd. at Hillel Place in Flatbush, (718) 951-4500], Jan. 21 at 7 pm and Jan. 22 at noon and 6 pm. $25-75. For info, visit www.brooklyncenter.com.