Surrey Arts Centre will be awash in amiable amphibians – and talent – when the young players of Surrey Youth Theatre Company (SYTCO) present A Year With Frog and Toad, March 4-6.
Based on the popular children’s books by Arnold Lobel, the Tony-nominated Broadway musical has music by Robert Reale and book and lyrics by Willie Reale, and is directed by SYTCO founder and artistic director Susan Pendleton, with choreography by the ubiquitous Carol Seitz.
Staying true to the spirit of the original books, the family friendly show follows cheerful Frog and sometimes grumpy Toad through four fun-filled seasons, along the way celebrating the idea of friendship and the attributes that make each of us different and special.
Awaking from hibernation in the spring, Frog (Ethan Donnelly) and Toad (Cassandra Strain) enjoy themselves – and meet new friends – while planting gardens, swimming in the pond in the summer, raking leaves in the fall and sledding downhill in the winter.
Also featured in the production are Benjamin Dunnill (Snail), Jordan Aisenstat (Mouse) and Marina Cyr, Fiona Firby and Adriana Dobbie (The Three Birds).
Completing the cast are Kana Saarni, Paisley Hoogenraad, Kallista Van Beest, Madison Smith, Andrea Moorhouse, Elizabeth Olsson and Jenna Gunderson.
The show, which is best suited for audiences aged three and up, lasts 70 minutes.
A Year With Frog and Toad is the second SYTCO production this year, following the successful run of Madeline’s Christmas. Next production for the group is the return of its powerful educational theatre piece The Orphan Train, which will be available to schools, churches and community groups throughout the spring.
Performances are 7 p.m. tonight (Friday), March 4; 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. March 5; and 2 p.m. March 6.
Tickets are $17.70 and $12.70 for seniors and children five and under; or $22.70 and $17.70 for tickets that include a special Cookies with Frog and Toad party following the Sunday matinée.
For reservations, call 604-501-5566 or visit www.arts.surrey.ca
