'Frog and Toad:' Big Show in a Little Pond

"A Year with Frog and Toad"

Music by Robert Reale; lyrics by Willie Reale; conceived by Adrianne Lobel, based on the books by Arnold Lobel and adapted for the stage by Mark Linn-Baker; directed by Caitlin Lowans; choreographer, Ilyse Robbins; music director, Mario Cruz; set designer, Audra Avery; costume designer, Joanna Murphy; lighting designer, Chris Fournier; scenic artist, Holly McClung

Cast in alphabetical order:

Toad, Edward M. Barker; Frog, Steven Barkhimer; Bird 1/Mouse/Squirrel/Young Frog/Mole, Mary Callanan; Man Bird/Snail/Lizard/Father Frog/Mole, Matt Spano; Bird 2/Turtle/Squirrel/Mother Frog/Mole, Ceit McCaleb Zweil

Performances: Now through March 15, Stoneham Theatre, 395 Main Street, Stoneham, Mass.

Box Office: 781-279-2200 or www.stonehamtheatre.org

In this age of multi-million-dollar musicals in which spectacle frequently overshadows heart, it's nice to be drawn into a quiet little gem of a show that offers as much wholesome entertainment for adults as is does for children. A Year with Frog and Toad, currently enjoying a delightful run at the Stoneham Theatre just north of Boston, is just such an audience pleaser.

Based on the award-winning children's books by Arnold Lobel, Frog and Toad is an adorable musical adaptation that follows the two amphibians through one full year of adventures in which friendship is the main theme. From dreaming the same dream during hibernation to making everyday life in the lily pond just a little more pleasant, Frog and Toad share experiences in a way that makes the simplest activity seem special.

Steven Barkhimer as the self-assured Frog and Edward M. Barker as the fussbudget-y Toad subtly inhabit their green gilled characters instead of mimicking mannerisms and croaks. Barkhimer, with his soothing baritone, bright blue eyes and endearing smile, is kind, patient and paternalistic, while Barker, with a more agitated and higher pitched voice, is nervous, meticulous, and a bit melancholy. As these best of friends make their way through the seasons, their relationship shifts and deepens until an event that Toad perceives as a crisis sparks an even greater appreciation for each other and joy in knowing they are not alone.

A trio of supporting players add comic spark as they morph from migrating and meddlesome snowbirds to fur trimmed Russian moles. Mary Callanan is particularly effective as a breathy Marilyn Monroe-inspired mouse and Ceit McCaleb Zweil arrives at several of her characters by way of Tina Fey (or is it Sarah Palin?). The show stealer, however, is last minute replacement Matt Spano as the snail. His running joke about snail mail culminates in a rousing and hilarious anthem of self discovery called "I'm Coming Out of My Shell." Shedding his inhibitions along with his humility, Spano is to the frog pond what Gypsy Rose Lee is to burlesque.

The jazz-inflected score by Robert and Willie Reale is engaging and very clever. The music shifts easily from heartfelt as in "Seeds," a ballad that Toad sings to assure his plantings that it's safe to grow, to high flying as in "The Kite," a Charlie Brown sort of number that has the birds mocking Frog and Toad - that is, until their makeshift aircraft actually takes flight. Fun lyrics reminiscent of Dr. Seuss are simple enough for children to understand but surprising enough to keep adults attentive. The year-end carol "Merry Almost Christmas" is as warm and touching as any beloved holiday classic.

Director Caitlin Lowans and her crack design team make this Frog and Toad extra special by setting it in Boston's Public Gardens. Tall grass that towers over the cast center stage is backed by a simple white drop adorned with pen and ink sketches of familiar landmarks. Colorful costumes suggest rather than define each of the characters, and smartly chosen local logos work to great comic effect. One of many unexpected laughs comes from a pair of mean spirited squirrels who seem to have relocated to the frog pond via Park Street Station. Their appearance is brief, but quite memorable.

The entire cast executes choreographer Ilyse Robbins' exuberant dance numbers with gusto and the six-piece orchestra under the baton of Mario Cruz really swings. A sweet but never cloying sincerity and joie de vivre permeate this production, from the unselfconscious performances to the tongue-in-cheek use of props.

In these troubled times, A Year with Frog and Toad is a fun, gentle reminder of what's really important in life. Without high-tech distractions or extravagant trappings, this Tony Award-nominated family musical shines from the warm glow within.

PHOTOS: Edward M. Barker as Toad and Steven Barkhimer as Frog; Edward M. Barker, Mary Callanan as Mouse, and Steven Barkhimer; Ceit McCaleb Zweil as Turtle, Mary Callanan, Edward M. Barker, Matt Spano as Lizard, and Steven Barkhimer

 

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