ATI presents ‘A Year with Frog and Toad’

0
ND 1114 ATI FROG
Kyra Kenyon, left, and Don Farrell, center, reprise last year’s roles as Turtle and Toad, respectively. Bradley Reynolds, right, who played Frog, is not in this year’s production and is replaced by John Vessels (Photo by Zach Rosing)

By Zach Dunkin

If you think “A Year with Frog and Toad” is kids’ stuff, think again.

Don Farrell, who will reprise his role as Toad in the musical presented by Actors Theatre of Indiana at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Nov. 25 and Nov. 26, said it appeals to adults “even if they don’t have children.”

“The characters of Frog and Toad define our contemporary storytelling selves, not just for children but for parents and any adult who later in life re-learn the critical importance of children’s tales,” said Farrell, ATI co-founder and artistic director. “The show does not talk down to the children, and the entertaining messages are not lost on the adults, especially today.

“In our busy lives, many of us are guilty of asking what personal gain we can achieve by our actions, but with ‘A Year with Frog and Toad,’ we silly humans can all take a lesson from these sweet amphibians to be kinder and more patient with those we care about and, perhaps, more importantly, with those we don’t. Now, isn’t that what the holidays are all about?”

The acclaimed musical is based on the award-winning children’s books by Arnold Lobel and spins the tale of two good friends and their friendship through the four seasons of the year. The show was nominated for Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score during its run on Broadway in 2003.

For some youngsters, the musical will be their introduction to live theater.

“I really love seeing the sense of wonder and joy in the children’s eyes,” Farrell said. “Being able to share and perform stories about the value and importance of friendship, the lessons of patience, kindness, and acceptance of each other and our differences, looking out for one another…sharing these important lessons and messages to an audience comprised of our children and our future is something I never get tired of.”

For tickets and more information, visit atistage.org.


Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Share.

Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact