'A Year with Frog and Toad' hops onto Northbrook Stage
Get ready for a hopping good time with an odd couple of friends.
"A Year with Frog and Toad," adapted from a Broadway hit, will bring Arnold Lobel's well-loved children's books to life at the Northbrook Theatre. Beginning on Saturday, Jan. 24, families can enjoy a charming musical about friendship, presented by the Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences.
The whimsical production follows the adventures of two best friends - the cheerful Frog and worrywart Toad - through four seasons. Waking from hibernation in the spring, they plant gardens, swim, rake leaves and go sledding, accompanied by their woodland friends.
"This production is going to be really exciting visually, watching the seasons change as 'Frog and Toad' have silly adventures," said Lydia Milman Schmidt, who is directing the show. "I think the show will appeal to all ages - adults and children alike. I have a 4-year-old son, and we've been reading the book series for almost a year, and he absolutely loves them."
As they move through the seasons, the unlikely best friends celebrate their differences, and the upbeat musical bubbles with wit and wisdom. The intimate, five-actor piece is adapted from a Broadway hit that was nominated for three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Child-friendly and hummable songs include "Cookies," "Getta Loada Toad," and "I'm Coming Out of My Shell."
"We chose 'Frog and Toad' because it is such a classic and well-known story that many generations have enjoyed," said Erin Sweet, assistant manager of Performing Arts with the Northbrook Park District, the producing organization. "'Frog and Toad' continues our season of upbeat and fun musical book adaptations."
Performances of "A Year with Frog and Toad" are on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. through Feb. 28, and run approximately one hour, designed for family audiences and children in preschool through grade school. After every show, the audience can meet the cast. Every NTYA production brings top-notch professional actors from throughout the Chicago area to the Northbrook Theatre.
Reserved seats are $12 and available online at nbparks.org; at the Box Office in the Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave.; and by phone at (847) 291-2995. Discounts are available for groups and on Fridays at the Box Office.
NTYA is the North Shore's only professional theater dedicated to child and family audiences, combining jokes and music that appeal to younger viewers with a high level of talent to entertain adults and kids. In addition to the Saturday shows, the ensemble offers weekday performances for schools, by arrangement, which can include curtain talks with the actors. The Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences is a member of the League of Chicago Theaters and the Actors' Equity Association.