As the summer season begins in the Coastal Bend, the school year is completed and families begin to plan trips and special activities to enjoy together. This year a Rialto Theater production of the musical, A Year with Frog and Toad, can be added to that list.
Rialto Theater Director Suzy Walker said, “Something magical is happening onstage at the Rialto Theater in Aransas Pass. Imagine a child’s pop-up book full of whimsy, colorfully presented and filled with imagination coming to life before your very eyes!”
The set design and construction began with a concept from Director Russ Walker and Stage Manager Suzy Walker then brought to life by Jeremy Polotko and Royce Harrell with a backdrop created by Phyllis Sayre.
“A hit on Broadway, A Year with Frog and Toad was nominated for three Tony Awards – including Best Musical. Based on Arnold Lobel’s well-loved books, and featuring a hummable score by Robert and Willie Realle, this whimsical show follows two great friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons.”
The Rialto Theater’s production is under the musical direction of Misty Kimbrough and with choreography by Darlene Irwin. Linda and Roger Sellers paid attention to the smallest property details from a broken alarm clock to the cookies. Technical Director George V. Sherman lll, pulled the whole production together with the lighting and sound carried out by Jeremy Polotko and Steven Timmins.
”Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe… all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.”
Rialto’s friendship of Frog and Toad is portrayed by Brian Davis and Russ B. Walker.
Three birds, played by Geneva Aubrey, Aubrey Miller and Madi Tharp, guide the audience through the story as Frog and Toad wake-up from their hibernation then reappear throughout the two acts until it is time for hibernation again.
Well known locally for his comedic performances, Royce Harrell as Snail will delight even the youngest audience members as he appears at unexpected times.
Frog and Toad’s neighborhood also includes a turtle, a mole, a lizard and a mouse who are brought to life on the stage by the young cast members Sara White, Jamie Bleiker, Aubrey Miller, Madi Tharp and Brooks Miller.
“The jazzy, upbeat score of A Year with Frog and Toad bubbles with melody and wit, making it an inventive, exuberant and enchanting musical for the whole family” at the Rialto Theater, 327 South Commercial Street, Aransas Pass, TX 78336. (361-758-0383)
A Year with Frog and Toad opens May 31, 2019 for three weekends with Friday and Saturday performances curtains open at 7:30 p.m. Sunday Matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. A special 12:00 pm noon performance will be on Saturday, June 8 only. Tickets are $10 for 12 and under, $15 and $20. for adults and are available online or at the box office. The theater doors open one hour before curtain.
My Coastal World 
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