You wouldn’t know from the plain stage set for this production that you were about to be dazzled. This small cast of seven seamlessly does the work of many more while letting us glimpse into four seasons of friendship. Whether it’s their love of this particular show or they are simply well-practiced professionals, they wear the many figurative and literal hats in this musical exceptionally.
Each actor totally embodies, in voice and mannerism, the animals that they portray. After reading tales of Frog and Toad to my own children, I finally know what the characters are supposed to sound like! Joshua Stenseth brings Frog to life with a composed wit and a playful spirit. His counterpart, Toad, played endearingly by James Sharinghousen, is somehow the perfect mix of grumble, humble, and just a few warts. The two together have impeccable timing, from quips to gestures; it is quickly clear that they really are the best of friends.
The costuming is brilliant, but not overdone. The amphibians’ color-coordinated jodhpurs, vests, and suit jackets only slightly elaborate on the original illustrations. The other animals’ organic, but striking collection of fur, tails, shells, googley eyes, and feathers allow you to see every movement and delightful facial expression without ever forgetting who or what they are.
Most of the musical numbers are charmingly upbeat and jazzy; you want to Charleston right along with the cast (and some children in the audience tried). The voices are well-blended and strong with bright harmonies. Rebecca Teran and Eric Little give the kind of vocal gusto that make you wish they’d each played a fifth (or even a sixth) character. And I was shocked to find out that one of the cast members is an eighth-grader!
The show is clever enough to garner laughs from the adults and children alike and is well-paced with plenty of physical comedy to keep the attention of younger theater-goers. I sat in an auditorium of exclusively school children and chaperones and the chortles and belly laughs came easily. These creatures are so likeable that several boys in my row were trying to hold conversations with them from the balcony. During set and costume changes, the audience is treated to enchanting vignettes that include the exuberant commotion of excitable squirrels to the musings of the world’s fastest-footed, slow snail. It’s all in the details; and this production delivers.
I’d love to share all of my favorite bits (and there are MANY), but you need to see this one for yourself. You’ll never be so glad of a broken clock or a late delivery. And I’ve never been so glad of a second child with the same field trip planned in a week.
