“A Year with Frog and Toad” reviewed by Al Bresloff along with Anna and Jack

***** I truly enjoy the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences’ productions and how they are training future theater audiences to observe best and learn from live theater. The currant production is  “A Year With Frog and Toad” based on Arnold Lobel’s beloved books. As I do with all children’s productions, I bring my “junior reviewers” Anna and her brother jack in order to relate with the audience that the show is geared for. They met me in the lobby ( along with mom) and they brought their own Frog and Toad. They purchased those when we last saw a production at The Greenhouse in Chicago.

Of course, the big difference in a Marriott production is a more imaginative set ( Wynn Lee) as the theater is “in-the-round” limiting the set and allowing everyone in the audience to see everything that is happening. Director and choreographer Elizabeth Romero brings this show to life with a cast of five actors. Just so you know, there are many more characters, but the three ensemble members, Sunnie Eraso, Marta Bady and Tommy Rivera-Vega take on all of these with style and grace and Rivera-Vega’s “Snail” is adorable.

The story is about friendship. Frog ( a powerful performance by Callan Roberts) and Toad ( Karl Hamilton was born to play this role) are warm weather, and as the seasons turn they go into hibernation. In fact, that is how the play begins. It is Spring and time to wake up and refresh their friendship. While we don’t hibernate, we do see changes during the winter months as we don’t play outside and spend time outdoors, but instead do more inside things ( sort of like hibernating).

This wonderful story shows how we can do things for others and, while helping them, also help ourselves. I know that having a best friend ( I have had mine for over 50 years) is great. We can talk to each other even when we are far away. This play is designed to show the beauty of friendship and that sharing kindness and doing something special for a “bestie” makes the journey even better. I do not like to give away the story but will tell you that both Frog and Toad have a wonderful learning experience about their friendship.

The technical parts of the production are, as always, flawless. The lighting (Conchita Avita), the sound ( Michael Daly) and the costumes (Christina Leinicke) are all perfect. The props designed by Cecilia Chan are absolutely perfect and you will feel some special effects during the one hour story. Ryan Nelson handles the music and one of the highlights of a Marriott production is that when the story ends, the actors come onstage for a question-and-answer period.

HERE IS WHAT ANNA & JACK had to say: ( written by their mom)

We recently saw A Year with Frog and Toad at the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences. We saw this production last year at the Greenhouse Theater in Chicago and I can honestly say it was just as fantastic the second time around. The cast was amazing and put their own spin on the characters. Anna (8), Jack (4) and I were involved the whole time.

One of my favorite things about this production was the 360-degree stage. It made the show feel much more immersive, and the actors were constantly moving around the space, so every part of the audience felt included.

Anna and Jack brought the Frog and Toad stuffed animals we bought after the first production we saw together, which made the experience even more fun.

The cast was excellent across the board. Jack’s favorite moment was Toad Looks Funny in a Bathing Suit. He laughed and danced through the whole song, and the bubbles afterward were an added bonus.

Anna loved the Snail. Every time the Snail appeared, she laughed and loved his singing throughout the show.

For me, Toad stole the show. His comedic timing was spot on, and he delivered every line perfectly. He was just as entertaining during the Q&A after the performance. He stayed in character enough to keep things fun, but was also incredibly quick and witty with the kids’ questions.

The show was funny, engaging, and a great introduction to live theater for younger kids while still giving the adults plenty to enjoy. I always love coming to shows at the Marriott Theatre and this one definitely didn’t disappoint! Even if you’ve already seen one production of this show it’s worth it to check out this new cast, crew and set!

 

Fallon

“A Year With Frog and Toad” will continue at Marriott Theatre located in Lincolnshire Illinois, through August 9th, with performances as follows:

Thursdays     10:00 am

Fridays         10:00 a.m.

Saturdays    10:00 a.m.

Sundays       10:00 a.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office, by calling 847-634-0200 or online at www.marriotttheatre.com

Tickets are $18.75 plus tax and handling

Plenty of free parking

ASL-Interpreted performance will take place on August 8th at 10 a.m.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at ” A Year With Frog and Toad”.

photos by Justin Barbin