A Year With Frog and Toad

Theatre Review – Nov. 19, 10
Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People – The Reale Brothers’ A Year With Frog and Toad
Reviewed by Paula Citron

A Year With Frog and Toad
Music by Robert Reale
Book and lyrics by Willie Reale
Directed by Allen MacInnis
Starring Louise Pitre, Kevin Dennis, Cara Hunter, Jennifer Villaverde and MacInnis
Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People
Nov. 15 to Dec. 30, 2010

A Year With Frog and Toad is based on the popular children’s series written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel.

Every children’s story has a moral, and these gentle books focus on friendship. The 2002 musical, currently playing at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, has very little dialogue. The various adventures of Frog and Toad are told mostly through song. The melodies are delightful and the lyrics sophisticated. Adults won’t find it a hardship.

If Louise Pitre does not get nominated for a Dora Award for her performance, there is no justice. Her mercurial Toad is enchanting. Allen MacInnis’ Frog is slim, elegant and unruffled. Frog’s soft-spoken wisdom anchors both the show and his warm, nurturing relationship with Toad. The supporting cast is terrific.

The messages that come out of this show are all good. This charming little musical is truly a paean to friendship in the best sense of the word.

A Year With Frog and Toad continues until Dec. 30.