Mother knows best. But what about Mother?s Day, whenshe?s off-duty? Sunday, all moms can sit back and relax because a frog and a toad are teaching life?s lessons about friendship to Baltimore?s youth.
Based on Arnold Lobel?s popular children?s books, the musical “A Year with Frog and Toad,” produced by the Pumpkin Theatre, premieres at the Hannah More Arts Center at Saint Timothy?s school. The play takes children and adults on a delightful journey through the friendship between cheerful Frog and grumpy Toad, highlighting the qualities that make each person unique and special.
First debuting in 2002, the musical was written and composed by Willie and Robert Reale. “A Year with Frog and Toad” was nominated for three Tonys in 2004 ? Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical. The 90-minute play features upbeat, jazzy 30s-style music and cheerful dialogue.
The Pumpkin Theatre chose the show for its wide audience appeal.
“We?ve been trying to find shows that appeal to the entire family, versus something for just children,” said Todd Pearthree. “It?s a charming, terrific show.”
Playing Frog is Michael Himelfarb, who was last seen as Horton the Elephant in the Pumpkin Theatre?s production of “Suessical the Musical.” The most recent role for Patrick Martyn, who portrays Toad, was as Lumiere in Pumpkin?s production of Disney?s “Beauty and the Beast.” Dan Johnson, Cindy Rinaldi and Sarah Fitzpatrick also star as various woodland creatures who innocently wander into Frog and Toad?s adventures. Directed and choreographed by R. Christopher Rose and Todd Pearthree, “A Year with Frog and Toad” promises a fun time for family members of all ages. “It?s a simple little show about friendship,” Pearthree said. “The Frog and Toad books are huge. The children will know and love the characters.”
For those unfamiliar with Lobel?s Frog and Toad series, the easy-to-read books for children ages 4 to 8 have been included in school curriculums and libraries since 1970, when the first book was published. The series includes “Frog and Toad Together,” “Days with Frog and Toad,” “Frog and Toad All Year,” and “Frog and Toad are Friends,” which was a 1971 Caldecott Honor Book for Lobel?s wonderful illustrations. Even though Frog and Toad are completely opposite, they are still the best of friends.
?A Year with Frog and Toad?
Hannah More Arts Center, Saint Timothy?s School
8400 Greenspring Ave., Baltimore
Dates: May 13, 14, 20 and 21
Times: 1 and 3 p.m.
Tickets: $9 to $12
More information: 410-828-1814
