FEBRUARY - MARCH 2006
MAINSTAGE PRODUCTION

Music by Robert Reale
Book & Lyrics by Willie Reale
Based on the books by Arnold Lobel

Originally presented on Broadway by Bob Boyett, Adrianne Lobel,
Michael Gardner, Lawrence Horowitz and Roy Furman
World Premiere at The Children's Theatre Company, Minneapolis

Directed by J. Clark Nicholson

CREW

CAST

Robert Campbell
Frog

Sean Adams
Toad

Melissa Dunphy
Bird, Mouse, Squirrel,
Mother Frog, Mole

Melissa Nicholson
Bird, Turtle, Father Frog, Mole

Amber Wagner
Bird, Lizard, Snail,
Young Frog, Mole

Produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) 421 West 54th St., New York, NY 10019

Based on the award-winning children's books by Arnold Lobel, A Year With Frog and Toad is the heartwarming (and hilarious) adventures of two best friends. Perfect for audiences of all ages, the story follows Frog and his worry-wart pal Toad as they spend a year together in their woodland home, swimming, playing, flying kites, and, of course, learning the importance of having a good friend.

The first musical ever performed by the Gamut Theatre Group, the production was the perfect chance for the Core Company Actors to combine their various musical talents with their gift for entertaining children, honed by countless performances with the Popcorn Hat Players. The show was a smash hit, due in large part to the tireless efforts of Musical Director Melissa Dunphy. The jazzy, ragtime score was brought to life by a group of accomplished local musicians, and the cast devised their own dance routines, from simple two-steps to an elaborate soft-shoe duet (a la Gene Kelly) between Frog and Toad. The set was covered in vibrantly painted disks, each bearing a symbol of the seasons. The disks would be flipped, like a page in a children's storybook, to reveal the next season. From a tuba-playing Toad to a chance encounter with a Large and Terrible Frog to a cookie-eating free-for-all, this show was a fabulous first foray for the company into musical theatre.