Photos by Nile Scott Studios.
‘A Year with Frog and Toad’ — Music by Robert Reale. Book and Lyrics by Willie Reale. Based on the books by Arnold Lobel. Directed by Leigh Barrett. Music Directed by David Freeman Coleman. Choreographed by Brad Reinking. Scenic Design by Jenna McFarland Lord; Costume Design by Chelsea Kerl; Lighting Design by Deb Sullivan; Sound Design by Alex Berg. Presented by Wheelock Family Theatre, 180 Riverway, Boston, through December 15th.
By Helen Ganley
A towering tree weeps oversized fronds into a secluded glen on the forest floor. In a neighborhood teeming with wildlife, two cozy houses sit across from one another, each home to a pair of best friends: Frog and Toad. Wheelock Family Theatre’s A Year with Frog and Toad invites you into their world, following these beloved characters through the changing seasons as they embark on adventures big and small.
Created by Robert and Willie Reale, A Year with Frog and Toad, a musical based on the cherished children’s book series by Arnold Lobel, debuted in 2002. It centers on the enduring friendship between two amphibians: Frog, calm and optimistic, and Toad, more pessimistic and prone to worry. Throughout the year, they navigate adventures, life lessons, fears, holidays, and, most importantly, the power of friendship. Though based on a children’s series, the show captivates both children and adults alike.
As the eponymous Frog and Toad, Anthony Pires Jr. and Will McGarrahan bring these characters to life with heart and depth. Pires Jr. radiates warmth and optimism, his voice filling the space with a soothing calm. In “Alone,” his deep baritone captivates the audience, evoking a rare silence in a theater full of children. McGarrahan, meanwhile, masterfully portrays Toad’s complexity – grumpy and anxious, yet undeniably warm-hearted. In “Toad to the Rescue,” his performance is filled with quiet bravery, underscored by subtle hints of fear. Together, their chemistry creates a partnership brimming with comfort and joy, and the show unfolds like a storybook, each scene a gentle snapshot of their shared life.
Alan Cid, Kristian Espiritu, and Tader Shipley shine as the ensemble, seamlessly switching between key neighborhood characters. Cid’s voice, booming as the Large & Terrible Frog, instills a sense of childhood fear, while Espiritu’s jazzy delivery as the slow-moving mail-delivering Snail adds a charming throughline to the production. Shipley’s playful portrayal of Turtle brings moments of light-hearted humor to the stage. Maeve Kennedy’s portrayal of Young Frog in “Shivers” is a standout, her soaring soprano filling the theater with dazzling clarity. A lively group of Moles wraps up the show in “Merry Almost Christmas,” bringing a festive close to the journey.
Despite an opening-night mishap involving an onstage leak, the creative and production teams adapted with grace. Chelsea Kerl’s costume design subtly hinted at animal traits without being overly obvious. Alex Berg’s sound design, though occasionally unbalanced during musical numbers, succeeded in setting the proper ambiance. Jenna McFarland Lord’s scenic design, coupled with Saskia Martinez’s prop design, made the intimate neighborhood setting feel vibrant and full of life. Brad Reinking’s choreography, simple yet sweet, shone particularly in “Getta Loada Toad.”
Life often feels defined by its big moments. But, as A Year with Frog and Toad reminds us, the beauty of life often lies in the small, simple moments – baking cookies, tending to blossoms, and writing letters. These intimate expressions of love transcend grand celebrations, offering warmth and a sense of peace. The show celebrates these quiet joys, leaving the audience feeling not only comforted but changed.
For more information, visit: https://www.wheelockfamilytheatre.org/performances/current-season/a-year-with-frog-toad/
