Check out the PRODUCTION PHOTOS from the show!
As fall begins to make its presence known, middle Tennessee residents are being treated to a wonderful addition to their “Must See” list… Old School Theatre’s season kick-off production of “A Year With Frog And Toad” (book and lyrics by Willie Reale, music by Robert Reale).
Michael Oakley directs this marvelous adaptation of Arnold Lobel’s beloved children’s classic story about two fond forest friends, wise and adventurous Frog and cantankerous Toad. Starting with the opening number, the audience will be treated to (quite literally) a year in the lives of these boon companions, from awaking after hibernation, through spring garden planting, summer swims at the local watering pond, the raking of autumn leaves, frosty sled rides and more. Every enchanting adventure is set to some of the most toe-tapping, head-bobbing tunes ever to grace the stage.
“This show is such an amazing achievement,” says Oakley, taking a break between directorial duties and choreographing a musical number (a task he shares with Chelsea Howell and Laura Irvine). “Not only does it have a rich exciting musical score, but the story and characters are beautifully written. It may be based on a children’s story, but the production has plenty to appeal to all ages.”
Kitty Purdon is the music director for the show and is equally excited by the opportunity. “This is a very challenging play from a musical perspective,” she says. “The harmonies of every song are beautiful, but very complex. We’ve been working hard with the cast to make sure everyone is prepared and confident in delivering the best vocal performance we can.”
Cast members include James Howell as Frog and John Devonal as Toad, supported by an astonishing host of forest companions all played by Erisa Kopp, Emily Palmer, and Sandra Wincel. The cast represents a wealth of musical experience that includes, musical theater, gospel choir, and even a singer/songwriter.
In addition to enjoying a heart-warming story, audiences will also be able to support a long-standing institution of Spring Hill… the Tennessee Children’s Home. Part of Old School Theatre’s newly christened “Charities Center Stage” program, the Tennessee Children’s Home will be the first of four charities to be acknowledged and supported with each production. At the recent benefit performance (Sept 18th matinee), $128 were raised for the home as well as many donations of much-needed school supplies.
“As a non-profit community theater company, we have a responsibility to support our community in any way we can,” says Laura Holderman, Board President at Old School Theatre. “We’re thrilled to be able to share the spotlight with these remarkable organizations and hope the extra exposure and donations allows them to continue their good works.”
Get all the details about performance dates for “A Year with Frog and Toad”
