The theater department will present “A Year with Frog and Toad” in Verser Theater tonight through next Tuesday, Sept. 24. The Tony Award-nominated play is an adaptation of Arnold Lobel’s award-winning children’s book, “Frog and Toad.”
Composer Robert Reale, and lyrist Willie Reale bring the story to life with songs entitled, “Cookies,” “The Letter,” and many others that bring a jazzy, heart-warming feeling to the production.
Celia Wren, a writer for the Washington Post, said “‘A Year with Frog and Toad’ is a paean to uncomplicated diversions, such as sledding, tending a garden and drinking tea with your web-footed best friend.”
The play received other honors and is highly praised by critics as an instant classic.
Kenderick Scorza, a sophomore musical theater major, stars as Toad.
“A Year with Frog and Toad epitomizes the meaning of friendship,” said Scorza. “It’s a family classic for all ages that teaches and reiterates many life lessons.”
In addition to seeing the show, children will have a chance to experience a theater workshop with active members of the theater department and get to see some of the many things that a cast member or someone behind the scenes does to bring a play to life.
“One of my favorite things about being a part of the youth workshop is exposing the joy of theater to audiences of all ages,” says Garret Sayers, a sophomore musical theatre major from Greenwood, Ark., “I cannot wait to see the excitement on children’s faces.”
The theatre workshop will be on Sept. 21 from 1-4 p.m. for Pre-K (3years) students up to 12th grade. The cost is $30 per child and will include a ticket to one of the shows.
“Our young audience members are going to love the characters and laugh at their antics, while older patrons will connect well to the meaningfulness of the Frog and Toad friendship, “ noted Mary Handiboe, the director of the play and associate professor of theatre arts. “All are sure to leave with a warm heart.”
The cast list includes Sayers and Scorza playing Frog and Toad. Tyler Wisdom, a junior musical theater major from Russellville, Ark. will play Snail and Kayla Walker, a freshman musical theatre major of North Little Rock, will play the role of The Large and Terrible Frog.
“My favorite thing about directing the children’s show really is just watching the joy of these kids as they experience the magic of theatre,” Handiboe said. “Many have never been to a live production of a show and they get to come and experience one that is done especially for them.”
Performance dates for “A Year with Frog and Toad” are Sept. 19-24 at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Sept. 22, there will be a matinee at 2:30. Tickets are $8 each and may be purchased at the Jones Performing Arts Center Box Office on weekdays from 1-5 p.m. You may also purchase them online at www.obu.edu/boxoffice or by phone at (870) 245-5555.
