"A Year with Frog and Toad" returns to the Liberty Theatre stage and promises to be a holiday treat that will spread goodwill and cheer. Company of Fools will perform the timeless and classic production at the Hailey theater beginning Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. with a "Pay What You Feel" preview.
"It's the third time we have done the show but not since spring 2007," said R.L. Rowsey, core company artist. "We have some new changes to the set, music and choreography. We looked for new things to add a little flair."
Some new cast members include Cliff Todd as Frog. Todd also performed in the Company of Fools' productions "Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter," "Noises Off" and "110 in the Shade." Another new cast member will be Cheryl Morrell, who will perform as a bird.
The cast also features Andrew Alburger as Toad, Rachel Abrams and John Glenn. Glenn also directs the show and Rowsey heads up the music direction. The show's choreography is by Leslie Harrington.
"This show has been so popular with student groups that all four student matinee performances have sold out," Rowsey said. "Five student matinees in Twin Falls are almost sold out."
Rowsey said that almost 2,000 students are attending the performances in Twin Falls, coming from outlying towns in addition to Twin Falls.
"We met with the superintendents of the school districts and a 'A Year With Frog and Toad' was a perfect match for kids right now," Rowsey said. "Frog is always up for an adventure and Toad is not sure they will make it, but they always do. Right now, kids hear their parents saying they are not going to make it. It's a good time to present this production."
Adults should not deter themselves from attending a production of "A Year With Frog and Toad" because it is a show for everyone, complete with big band swing music and a familiar story. The story follows two great friends, Frog and Toad, through four seasons. Waking from hibernation in the spring, they proceed to plant gardens, swim, rake leaves and go sledding, learning life lessons along the way. The most important lesson they learn is about friendship and rejoicing in the attributes that make everyone different and special.
Music and lyrics are by Robert and Willie Reale. The book, "A Year With Frog and Toad," by Arnold Lobel,was a Broadway success that earned Tony nominations in 2004 for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Original Score.
"It has lots of style and class," Rowsey said. "And, it's really fun."
Performances at the Liberty Theatre continue through Jan. 3, and the Fools have announced an online ticket purchasing option at companyoffools.org. Tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for seniors (62 and over) and $10 for children (18 years and under). For groups of six or more, tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for children.
For details on more performance dates and times, call 578-9122 or visit companyoffools.org.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Courtesy photo by Kirsten Shultz
Company of Fools presents “A Year With Frog and Toad” at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey, starting Wednesday, Dec. 16.
