***** I have been looking forward to the Young People’s Theatre of Chicago’s production of “A Year With Frog and Toad” for weeks. This morning, seeing the several inches of snow, I was concerned that there might not be a performance, but as the old saying goes ( in the world of live theater), “The show must go on”, and indeed it did. Not only did it go on, but with a full house, filling the largest of the venues at The Greenhouse Theater Center. Partly because of the show, I am sure, but of more importance, the rep that YPT has established with the quality of what they bring to the stage.  I have to say, they did it again!
With a book by Arnold Lobel, that was adapted by Willie Reale ( who also wrote the lyrics) and music written by Robert Reale, “A Year With Frog and Toad” is a clever 100 minutes of musical comedy designed for family fun and to expose youngsters to live theater. I must tell you, as an adult ( please remember that I just celebrated the 53rd anniversary of my 30th birthday), this story and the superb directed by  Randy White, is a smash that captured the minds of every person, young and old sitting in the theater this morning.
As you may know, when it comes to children’s theater or even family theater, I bring at least one younger person so you get the view as seen by someone far younger than me. For this performance, I brought my two regulars, Anna  and Jack and here is what they had to say ( the typing was done by their mom, Fallon).
We were so excited to be able to see opening day of A Year with Frog and Toad this morning. It was a beautiful snowy morning and a really fun way to spend the day. Anna age 8, and Jack, who is almost 4 years old really enjoyed the play. It ran about 80 minutes which held the attention of Anna for the entire time and Jack for the majority of it (impressive as there is not a lot he will sit still for!)
We all agreed that Toad was hilarious. There were several times that I laughed out loud at the banter between Frog and Toad and especially Toads responses to some of Frogs questions. Anna really enjoyed when Toad was yelling at the flowers, doing an interpretive dance and then finally getting his flowers to grow. It was a very funny part of the show.
Jack enjoyed the supporting ensemble of the Mouse, Turtle, and Snail. He enjoyed when they were out on stage performing songs with Frog and Toad. Personally, the Snail Mail was a highlight for me!
We also enjoyed the scene when they were raking each other’s leaves and trying to hide it from each other. There were so many laugh out loud moments, and so many heartwarming moments showcasing the friendship and closeness of Frog and Toad.
On the way out we purchased a Frog and Toad plush set to support the Young People’s Theater that the kids have been playing with all afternoon. We highly recommend this play to anyone with children around age 4 and older and it is something that adults will enjoy as well!
Thank you Fallon, Anna and Jack!
I must tell you, that I was laughing out loud as well. This cast of five performers was brilliant. The two main characters are of course,  Frog ( Ryan Stajmiger truly shows how versatile he is, as I just reviewed his performance at Theo Ubique in “Urinetown”) and his next door neighbor/bestie Toad ( played to perfection by Teddy Gales). While these two actors have a great load in telling this story, it could never work without the dynamite ensemble of three that handle all of the other roles, singing and dancing, and even helping to move the set about: Hannah Remian, Maliha Sayed ( Jack’s “mouse”) and the hysterical Sam Hook ( his snail character delivering the mail is a stitch, including a solo dance number that the moms will go nuts over). They are a terrific group of performers. Bravo!
The story is about friendship, true friendship. There are many special situations where these two characters show just how important each is to the other. From the wake-up of spring, the seed planting, kite flying, swimming, sledding, leaf raking, we get to see just how important they are to each other. Most of us are aware of how life is more fun when one can share special moments with another, this story helps lead the way for youngsters to see for themselves.
On te tech side of the production, in addition to the smooth direction by White, the slick choreography by Tuesdai B. Perry is adorable ( the rope jumping is amazing), the musical direction by Sam Shankman, terrific and the costumes by Ellen MacKay, adorable. The set designed by Lauren Halpern shows that even a small venue can work. What was created here, in a limited space, was powerful and did the trick. The lights ( Kevin Rechner) and sound (Kurt Ottinger) were right on.
This is true fun for the family, and at the same time, can help teach your little one about the importance of being a friend and having a bestie!
“A Year With Frog And Toad” will continue thru Dec 21st with performances as follows: