Hop On Up To Share “A Year with Frog and Toad”

By Wes Hessel with Beth Tomas

Marriott Theatre for Young Audience’s production of “A Year with Frog and Toad” is enjoyable, fun musical bringing the books of Arnold Lobel to the stage. It starts with a simple yet beautifully appointed set in this great theater in the round – very fairy story-like and child friendly. The details change with each season, adding or removing flowers/plants, for instance. Ramps at the corners allow for characters to enter through the audience in the aisles. While not an interactive show per se, the cast does look into the audience while performing in a way that makes you feel they are communicating directly with you.

The actors dress like humans but very reflective of their character, all of them wearing the same gaucho style pants with bold patterned socks/stockings, according to what would naturally reflect their character – Toad wears burnt orange, Frog has green;  Turtle, Snail, and Squirrel have backpacks that look like shells or tails.

The are lots of laughs and fun songs, the music and dance reminiscent of the 40’s. The story addresses life lessons like patience, forgiveness, and the importance/value of friendship, as well as some childhood fears (the unknown, getting lost and/or separated from parents/loved ones), validating them, while showing they can be dealt with by leaning on family and friends.

At the conclusion of the show, the cast held a Q&A session, explaining how the set was made and how long it took to put the show together, among others. All the “behind the scenes” people were Introduced, as well, and explained what their jobs had to do with the production.

Overall, a thoroughly delightful show, but the year together for Frog and Toad will come to a close August 9th, so make a leap of faith to www.marriotttheatre.com for tickets or more information.

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