Based on Arnold Lobel’s popular “Frog and Toad” children’s books, this all-new condensed version of the Broadway production brings the pals from the page to the stage for young audiences to enjoy.
The musical was developed by renowned scenic designer, Adrianne Lobel – author Arnold Lobel’s daughter - and remains true to the spirit of the original stories as it follows two great friends, the cheerful and popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad, through four fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation in the spring, they proceed to plant gardens, swim, rake leaves and go sledding, learning life lessons along the way, including a most important one about friendship and rejoicing in the attributes that make each of us different and special.
A Year with Frog and Toad features music by Willie Reale and book and lyrics by Robert Reale. The score includes jazzy numbers in a style reminiscent of Steven Sondheim, Cole Porter and Bing Crosby tunes. Frog and Toad soft-shoe their way across the stage with their friends Snail, Mouse and Turtle, sharing simple pleasures, like eating cookies galore in a show-stopping number that tweaks the sweet tooth of everyone in the theatre. The lovable Snail, who spends the entire show trying to deliver a letter at his own very, very slow pace, brings the house down with his solo “I’m Coming Out of My Shell.”
Playing the role of the sprightly and friendly Frog is Jon Satrom, who appeared in the 2006-2007 Young at Heart Family Series production of Discover Theater!. Will Cohen plays the worrywart Toad, and Tommy Labanaris plays the deliberately leisurely Snail. A Year with Frog and Toad is directed by Timothy McDonald, who has introduced millions of young people to the life-enhancing experience of theatre as the founding director of Music Theatre International’s Education Division. He has worked with Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, and many others, adapting their works for young people to perform.
The New York Times calls A Year with Frog and Toad a “bright, bouncy, altogether lovable show.” The Young at Heart Family Series receives support from Media Sponsor WMUB Public Radio 88.5 FM, Family Advocacy sponsor P&G Fund, and Esther Price Candies Corp., the Official Candy of the Young at Heart Family Series. Since cookies are Frog and Toad’s favorite snack, Esther Prices Candies Corp. will have chocolate-covered Oreo cookies and milk for sale after each performance. A Year with Frog and Toad is on stage at the Victoria Theatre November 17 and 18, at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day. Come out early for pre-show lobby activities beginning one hour prior to each performance. -- www.victoriatheatre.com
