UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When Frog and Toad come out of hibernation, it’s a sign that spring is springing. The amphibious odd couple will bring their pondside adventures in the Tony Award-nominated musical “A Year with Frog and Toad” to Penn State with a production for all ages at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 19, in Eisenhower Auditorium.
Set designer Adrianne Lobel commissioned the musical based on the stories written by her father, Arnold Lobel. It had its world premiere at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis before moving to Broadway in 2003. There, it received three Tony nominations — best musical, best original score and best book.
Fresh from a winter’s rest, optimistic Frog and cantankerous Toad prep their garden, swim at the pond, rake leaves, bake cookies and more — all while learning life lessons and celebrating their differences. A jazzy, toe-tapping score by Robert and Willie Reale keeps the story moving with a pace and wit fit for any age.
“A Year with Frog and Toad” is a pure-hearted, vaudeville-inspired “Odd Couple” for the younger set. “It is gratifying to find a musical that knows exactly what it’s doing and that, on its own terms, works perfectly,” wrote a New York Times reviewer.
For more information about the production, visit “A Year with Frog and Toad” online or call 814-863-0255.
Kids Connections, which is free for ticket holders and includes a craft-centered, child-friendly activity provided by Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center and books provided by Schlow Centre Region Library, takes place in Eisenhower one hour before the show. Due to space and time restrictions, Kids Connections participation is limited.
McQuaide Blasko Endowment provides support for the presentation. Big Froggy 101 is the media sponsor.
Patrons are welcome to bring a contribution for a book drive aimed at supporting Mid-State Literacy Council’s efforts to improve reading and learning proficiency in children. New and gently used books with reading levels of preschool to sixth grade are preferred. Blue collection buckets are located in the Eisenhower lobby during regular business hours — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday — and during events at the auditorium.
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