This weekend Live Theatre Workshop's family arm, All Together, opens the musical “A Year With Frog and Toad,” with some evening performances and additional weekend shows (the children’s productions generally only have Sunday matinees).
This isn't a production for kids that makes parents want push sharp pencils in their ears (I'm looking at you Caillou).
“The play is not a children’s play in that only children like it,” says Leslie J. Miller, director of the production.
“The show’s amazing.”
A breakdown:
The details
When: Preview, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23. Regular performances, 7 p.m. Fridays, 3 p.m. Saturday and Sundays through July 9.
Where: Live Theatre, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd.
More: The 65-minute show costs $9 for kids, $12 for adults. Call 327-4242 or go to livetheatreworkshop.org
So kid-friendly: One of the best things about the children's show at Live Theatre is they know what to do with kids, who might talk to the characters, or each other, during performances. They don't admonish and they often respond.
From left, Connor Griffin, Amanda Gremel and Steve Wood appear in Live Theatre Workshop’s “A Year with Frog and Toad.” The production is meant for the entire family.
The story
The musical is based on the books by Arnold Lobel. You've probably read them 100 times. They're clever and hold up well.
Frog and Toad are very different. And very good friends. When they aren’t hibernating, they are swimming, sledding and snacking their way through the seasons. Of course, it isn’t always smooth. …
“Toad is stuck in his ways; Frog is all over the place. But they totally accept who each other is,” says Miller.
The music is by Robert Reale and lyrics by Willie Reale.
The music
“The music is complicated and fun and sweet,” says Miller. The play is mostly sung through, and the music has an infectious jazz vibe.
The production, with Griffin, left, and Steve McKee, is based on the popular Arnold Lobel book series, and deals with finding companionship.
At its heart
“This show is about finding companionship and someone who you can relate to and are friends with them for the good stuff and the bad stuff,” says Miller. “And because of that, there is no bad stuff.”
That message about friendship and acceptance is one that children shouldn’t hear alone.
“It’s important for them to see with their families,” says Miller. “Watch the show with your family and then talk about friendship and what it means. The show just gets that right.”
