Photo courtesy Mark Lamhut
By Mary Ann Bourbeau
FREEHOLD – “A Year with Frog and Toad” follows two amphibian best friends – worrywart toad and sensible frog – during four seasons filled with adventure and fun. During the show’s 2003 Broadway run, it was nominated for three Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. Based on Arnold Lobel’s children’s book series, it’s filled with charming songs and a jazzy score.
This family-friendly show will be presented Dec. 6 at Center Playhouse in Freehold. The musical follows the characters from spring, when they awaken from hibernation, to the following winter, when they settle in for another extended sleep. Their adventures include colorful characters that live among them, such as turtle, mouse, lizard, moles, squirrels, birds and most notably, snail.
“What I love about this story is that Frog and Toad are very different but they love and respect each other,” said Bernice Garfield-Szita, a former drama teacher who is co-directing the show with Mafalda Cavanaugh. “They live in a kind and loving community with the other creatures in their pond area. In this world we live in, I like to choose material that promotes positive values.”
The show stars Dorothy Blomquist of Westfield as Frog and Marcus Scott of Fair Haven as Toad.
“Marc has a beautiful voice and a very kind heart,” said Garfield-Szita. “He also has good timing and great facial expressions. Dorothy is amazing. She has a lovely show voice.”
Supporting players include Tina Hausknecht of Millstone Township and Geri Wallens of Freehold, along with high school and middle school students Emma Howson and Sophia Ribas of Freehold, Carly Cavanaugh of Manalapan and Gianna Minardi of Brick. Tim McCorry of Freehold serves as musical director for songs that include “It’s Spring,” “Getta Loada Toad,” “I’m Coming Out of My Shell,” “Toad to the Rescue” and “Merry Almost Christmas.”
Like every performance in the 49-seat Center Playhouse, “A Year with Frog and Toad” faces logistical problems due to the small, 14-by-18-foot stage.
“We had to figure out how to change scenes from a house to a wider pond area and also to give the experience of the seasons changing,” said Garfield-Szita.
But the all-volunteer crew put their heads together and overcame the challenges, as they have done for every show since Center Players formed in 1996. As part of their dedication to the community, the acting troupe will even bring the production – set and all – to every third and fourth grade class in Freehold Borough.
“We very much want to encourage young people to experience theater,” said Garfield-Szita.
To add to the fun, Cha Cha the Frog mascot from the Rainforest Café will make a special appearance and pose for photos at the Saturday, Dec. 7 show. Complimentary pastries, coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be available during intermission at each performance. Some of the offerings, such as green frog sugar cookies, tie in with the show.
“We like to be as creative and fun-loving as we can,” said Garfield-Szita.
In addition to its signature shows, Center Playhouse sponsors free play readings and other events, and also offers dinner and theater packages with several area restaurants.
Center Playhouse is located at 35 South St. in downtown Freehold. Showtimes are Dec. 6-8, 14, 15. Tickets are $20-$28 and are available by calling 732-462-9093 or visiting centerplayers.org.
Arts and entertainment reporter Mary Ann Bourbeau can be reached at mbourbeau@tworivertimes.com.
