Kids and adults of all ages were excited for the production of “A Year with Frog and Toad,” which ran from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10. The musical was put on by the Playshop Theatre and was directed by Rachel Hoey, assistant professor of theater.
The musical was based on the “Frog and Toad” book series written by Arnold Lobel in the 1970s. Similar to the books, the musical revolves around a close friendship of two amphibians and the adventures they have through the changing of the seasons. The show was a mix of scenes from the book and other lovable moments between the two main characters. Held in the Gladys Mullenix Black Theatre, the three showings were a hit. Many people in the audience were excited for the musical and the nostalgia it brought. Ella DeRose, ’27, attended the second of four showings. As she looked back on her childhood, DeRose remembered Frog and Toad fondly.
“The books were something that my little sister and I really loved when we were growing up,” DeRose said. “I’m just excited to see my friends bring that to life.”
Though many young kids and elementary school students came to view the show, there was also a blend of college students and other adults. Since the Frog and Toad books have been a large staple in many people’s childhood, it was not surprising to see an audience made up of a mix of all ages.
Lucy Palmer, ’27, played the role of Frog in the musical. As she was putting her makeup on in front of the large studio mirrors before the show, Palmer talked about why people were drawn to the show.
“I think the nostalgia,” Palmer said. “Most people grew up reading the books. I know my mom is really excited because that was a big part of my childhood and time spent with my mom growing up. So I think that older audiences, even though this is a show targeted for children, I think they can still resonate with the plot.”
Niyah Moore, ’27, played the role of Toad in the musical. While discussing the highlights of the show, both Moore and Palmer agreed that the song “Shivers” was their favorite. The song starts out with Frog and Toad having tea during a cold and rainy night when Frog decides to tell a scary story. Frog talks of a trip taken with her parents when she was a child where they got lost in a dark and scary forest. Her parents left her to defend herself against a frog-eating monster frog that is “terribly large and largely terrible.” The story terrifies Toad and she continually asks if the story is true or not.
“My favorite is ‘Shivers’ because it is so nice and dramatic but it doesn’t take itself too seriously,” Moore said. “So you can really play it up as big as you want to so it makes it really fun to be in.”
Lucas Bradley, ’27, attended the show on the second night to support some of his close friends. He said his favorite scene from the musical was when Frog and Toad both secretly raked each others’ yards as a surprise.
“They were both doing something kind that did go unnoticed but they weren’t doing something kind just to be noticed,” Bradley said. “And that’s a pretty special friendship.”
This scene encompasses the overall theme of the musical, which is the friendship that Frog and Toad have. Their bond can be seen in all the scenes throughout the musical, which makes it a great show for younger kids.
The Playshop Theatre is in its 93rd season, having produced over 500 shows in its history for people to enjoy. Palmer has been in many productions and described the feeling she often gets after performing a show.
“I would describe the feeling as extremely thirsty but also proud of the work we as a cast and crew could accomplish,” Palmer said. “Every show is a little different but equally rewarding.”