"A Year with Frog and
Toad," presently playing at First Stage Children’s
Theater, is a musical commissioned by Arnold Lobel’s daughter
based on his beloved books about a friendship between a frog and
a toad. Lobel died in 1987, leaving a legacy of almost 100 books
that he had written or illustrated or both. He won both of
children’s literature’s highest awards, the Caldercott and
Newberry.
The first thing that meets the eye is the charming set with
the cleverly constructed houses where Frog and Toad are still
hibernating. Part of the enjoyment of the entire show is the
wonderful set design with its many surprises. We have Sarah L.
Hunt-Frank to thank for that. Phenomenal job!
"A Year with Frog and Toad" is a series of episodes
between two characters with quite different personalities who
have formed a lasting friendship. Other animals - birds, mice,
squirrels, lizards, moles and turtles - share the stage, adding
music and color, but it is the frog and toad that hold our
attention and affection, along with a determined snail,
wonderfully portrayed by Paul Helm.
Frog is sophisticated, optimistic, more social, a bigger
risk-taker than Toad. Toad provides us with more laughs as he
bumbles through life with a big heart but not much moxie. We
love them both and see how they need each other but also how
they could misunderstand each other.
Some of the entertaining vignettes include the raking
incident, the self-conscious swim, the cookie orgy, the letter
writing and delivery, the scary sled ride, Toad’s first
attempt at gardening and the story hour. Each was so delightful
that it would be hard to pick a favorite.
The colorful costumes, thanks to the talent of Kim Instenes,
provided a visual smorgasbord, the ensemble singing was
harmonious. The solo singing by Brian Gill (Frog) and Paul Helm
(Snail) was more easily understood than that of John Maclay
(Toad.) Sometimes the musical accompaniment drowned out the
singers.
Both Gill and Maclay captured the spirit of their characters
beautifully. Physically and emotionally, they were a good fit
for their roles. Beth Mulkerron and Courtney Jones played the
remaining adult roles, and the cast of children I saw included
Alec Aldred, Jenna Blair, Sebastian Palmer, Rachel Zientek,
Shanna Sweeney and Emily Pogorelc, all of whom contributed to
the success of the whole. Alissa Rhode, John Dominguez and
Michael Lorenz provided the musical accompaniment.
Now I want to go back and read the books again. Wisdom and
humor pervade these seemingly simple tales, which makes them
appealing to all ages.
Directed by Tony Clements (good to have him in our midst
again) and James Valcq, this delightful offering will run
through May 18. Call (414) 273-7206 for times and tickets.
