This Saturday I attended the premier of the Children’s Theatre Company‘s production of ‘A Year with Frog and Toad’. This wonderful, cozy play was based on the series of books written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel.
Growing up I found comfort in the simple and reassuring small adventures of these two best friends. There were no epic adventures or perilous journeys, just the simple and relatable moments of their day as they enjoyed the snow or tried to resist fresh-baked cookies. I was excited and curious to see how the CTC brought these two to life on stage.
Annnnnd I was delighted. The actors who played the eponymous amphibians were charismatic and lovely. Their personalities distinct but you could sense the sincerity of their friendship. In some movies where you have an easy-going character (such as Frog) as well as a character who is just a little short-tempered (Toad), their friendship isn’t reallllly believable and you wonder why the friendly one tolerates the other. Not here. Although there is a bit of an Odd Couple dynamic both friends are likable and aren’t simple one-dimensional portrayals.
The cast is rounded out with three other actors who played primarily played a bird chorus but also other smaller roles such as a turtle, a mouse, and hands down the audience favorite, the earnest and determined snail.
The music and singing was catchy and absolutely earworm worthy. The stage effects and set were simple and effective. The scary story segment was my favorite part of the show.
What a wonderful, comforting play. I really would like to thank the CTC for the invitation and for a magical night.
Love, Hannah
Hannah McKnight 
Frog and Toad were written well after my youth but I read them to my three (now adult) sons. How exciting to have access to such a wonderful grpoup of performers. I relish your CTC reviews.
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