FAC Presents A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, Dec. 1-23

The Fine Arts Center's Theatre Company is proud to present the Tony-nominated holiday musical comedy, A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, from Dec. 1-23 in the historic SaGaJi Theatre.

The well-loved characters of Arnold Lobel's classic FROG AND TOAD stories hop from page to stage. Remaining true to the spirit of the original stories, the show follows two great friends (the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad) through four, fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation in the spring, they proceed to plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding, celebrate Christmas and learn life lessons along the way. A jazzy upbeat score that bubbles with melody and wit makes this inventive, musical destined to be a holiday classic.

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD earned three Tony Award nominations in 2003 for Best Musical, Best Book for a Musical and Best Original Score.

"This is, quite simply, one of the most enchanting musical comedies that I have ever come across," said the show's director Scott RC Levy, FAC Director of Performing Arts and Producing Artistic Director. "Perfect for all ages, the characters of A Year with Frog and Toad are sure to delight everybody this holiday season. Bring the whole family to a performance that will leave you with smiles on your faces."

The FAC is offering special school matinees on Dec. 6, 8, 13, and 15 at 10 a.m. These affordable
school matinees include a discussion with the cast after the show. Please contact 719.477.4345 for
more information and to book your group.

FROG AND TOAD Family Adventure Day on Saturday, Dec. 10, includes tours of the set with the
cast, story time readings of the original stories, hands-on art activities and more throughout the Fine Arts Center (10a-2p). This is a free event open to the public.

Join Producing Artistic Director Scott RC Levy and the company of A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD for a free post-show discussion following the performance on Sunday, Dec. 4.

Enjoy a backstage tour after the show on Thursday, Dec. 15. Learn how the production came together with a focus on the design elements.

Partake in a multi-course Holiday High Tea before the show at noon on Sunday, Dec. 18, in the luxurious Deco Lounge. Call the FAC Box Office at 719.634.5583 for more information.

Jason Lythgoe plays Frog, fresh off his role as John Wilkes Booth in the FAC's critically-acclaimed production of ASSASSINS. Drew Frady makes his FAC debut as Toad. A member of Actor's Equity and based in Denver, Drew has previously been seen in FOREVER PLAID and Forbidden Broadway, both off-Broadway and at the Denver Center. Cast members Jesse Havea and Lacey Connell are making their FAC debuts and both are recent graduates from prestigious musical theatre programs in New York City. Eryn Carman, who plays multiple roles in Frog and Toad, was named Best of the Springs - Actress by The Gazette in 2010 for her portrayal of Mrs. Lovett in the FAC's SWEENEY TODD.

The creative team includes Lex Liang (Scenic and Costume Designer), Holly Anne Rawls (Lighting Design), Mary Ripper Baker (Choreographer), and Roberta Jacyshyn (Musical Director).
Lex Liang has worked across the country from the Curran Theatre in San Francisco to The Bangor Opera House in Maine as a scenic and costume designer. Liang's design work include the world premieres of Galt McDermott's THE GODDESS WHEEL, Michael Cerveris' THE HISTORY OF TEARS, and most recently, THE YELLOW WOOD. Mr. Liang has served as a principle event designer for the Central Park Conservancy, the Associate Designer on two seasons of The Big Apple Circus, a consultant to Disney's Entertainment Costuming and several productions on and off Broadway. Lex has worked with numerous theatre companies in New York.

The FAC invites the public to view the final dress rehearsal on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Tickets are available the day of the show at the FAC Box Office and patrons set the price. This is a rehearsal, so the performance may be interrupted at various times at the discretion of the director.

Enjoy a gourmet meal at Amuzé at the FAC prior to the show. The staff at the award-winning Amuze will prepare a prix fixe chef's menu that will match the theme of the production. Reservations are recommended and can be made at 719.477.4377. Visit the FAC website for the latest menu options.

More information concerning tickets sales for individuals or groups, and the Curtain Call Society can be found at csfineartscenter.org or by calling the FAC Box Office at 719.634.5583.

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