One could definitely say that A Year with Frog and Toad, the musical stage adaptation of the late Arnold Lobel's beloved children's books (Children's Books, Dec. 16, 2002), has legs. Following successful runs at the Children's Theater in Minneapolis (Aug.—Oct. 2002) and the New Victory Theatre in Times Square (Nov. 2002), the show is headed for the Great White Way this spring.
A Year with Frog and Toad will officially open at the Cort Theater April 13, with previews beginning April 2. The production boasts a family-friendly schedule that includes three Saturday performances and two each Sunday in addition to shows on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings.
Adrianne Lobel, daughter of Arnold and the show's co-producer (with Bob Boyett), says that everything is "moving full speed ahead" toward opening night. As for great expectations, Lobel said she hopes that the production "finds an adult audience," in addition to attracting children and families. "Though it's a delightful show for small children and a wonderful way to introduce children to live theater, the show is very appealing to adults as well," Lobel noted. "It could really be a great date show—it's funny and sophisticated and the music is genuinely good. We want people to know that it's about love and friendship, marriage, all the ups and downs of being close to someone."
Lobel commented that she and her colleagues are comparing Frog and Toad to the movie Babe, a family-oriented film based on a children's book that gradually gained an enormous adult following and earned an Academy Award nomination. To help get the message out, Lobel says that one of the advertisements for Frog and Toad reads: "You'll see it. You'll love it. You'll admit it."
The entire team behind the show, save for one supporting cast member, will return for the Cort engagement. Lead actors Mark Linn-Baker (Toad) and Jay Goede (Frog) remain on board.
