Jacob Grimm

A fairy tale opened on Broadway in late October and you were just listening to the title character, “Brooklyn,” inviting the audience into an urban fable performed by a homeless theater troupe.

That’s Deborah Henson-Conant, the composer and author, reading the opening from her musical sequel to “The Frog Prince” — just in time for Jacob Grimm’s birthday tomorrow.

That’s part of the theme song for Judy and David’s “Red’s in the Hood, A New Spin on Little Red Riding Hood” from The Children’s Group, a Canadian company that has been producing acclaimed classical music recordings for young people for more than a decade.

Today is the birthday of Jacob Grimm, and Rita Smith is here today to discuss the life and influence of the Brother Grimm.