WFT’s ‘A Year with Frog and Toad’ Leaps with Laughter

Cast of Wheelock Family Theatre’s ‘A Year with Frog and Toad’.
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.

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“In the Heights” Soars at Wheelock Family Theatre

 

By Michele Markarian

 

In the Heights.  Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Book Quiara Alegria Hudes.  Directed by Rachel Bertone.   Presented by Wheelock Family Theatre, 200 The Riverway, Boston, MA, through November 19.

 

I don’t know if anyone remembers watching the 2008 Tony awards, but the winner of that year’s Best Musical, Lin-Manuel Miranda, rapped his acceptance speech. “What an odd little guy”, I thought, with a mixture of admiration and disdain (even for the Tonys, it was an unusual form of acceptance speech). I never felt compelled to see “In the Heights”, but given the quality of Wheelock Family Theatre’s musical productions, I figured, why not?  This wonderful show, expertly directed and choreographed by Rachel Bertone, does not disappoint.

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