Toad (Mike Ryan) and Frog (Nick Gabriel) go sledding in SSC's holiday show. Photo by r.r. jones.
When it comes down to it, Frog shouldn’t really even need Toad. The congenial amphibian could just as easily pal around with the mice and birds that hang around the swamps if he wanted. But he doesn’t. He prefers his slower-moving, socially inept foil.
This year’s winter Shakespeare Santa Cruz play, A Year With Frog and Toad—the group’s first holiday production in two years—is an all-ages tale of friendship based on the children’s books by Arnold Lobel. It chronicles the four changes of season and the relationships of the animals who witness them firsthand (with singing and dancing numbers, naturally).
Early in the play, Frog (Nick Gabriel) charges Snail (Chris Waters) with delivering a very important letter. The task takes Snail a few months and prompts his proud recurring tune, “Snail with the Mail,” one of several repeating motifs in the play. Snail intones boastfully that he “put the ‘go’ in escargot!” His voice soars.
The recurring motifs—combined with a variety of lessons—make for a tasty tale that both entertains and enriches young audiences. Other ages will find something too. Frog and Toad (Mike Ryan) share a friendship that resembles that of a kinder, better–intentioned Jerry Seinfeld and George Costanza: Frog leads the life of a charismatic, sociable figure with a variety of acquaintances—but who (for Lord knows what reason) still enjoys the company of a barrel-chested, socially inadequate rambler.
Against the backdrop of an excellent ensemble animal cast, Frog and Toad make an entertaining pair. As Frog, Gabriel masters a bow-legged, bent-knee stance, while Ryan’s slower movements fit Toad’s dryer personality. Even the beads of sweat running down the sides of his of face match not only Toad’s round build but his anxious personality too.
Toad’s character in many ways straddles two separate generations. He combines the insecurities of an adolescent child with the clueness of an aging grandfather. He frets at how little mail he receives, feels self-conscious about the way he looks in a bathing suit and grows impatient when seeds he planted don’t grow quickly enough. And he’s oblivious to the fact that the other animals will do anything to dodge his sneeze-filled, bacteria-ridden cookies.
Frog and Toad develop a believable bond. But if the response from a young audience is any indication, the strong ensemble performance almost steals the show.
“My favorite character was all of the singing birds,” said Tori Thorvund, a student at Sunset Elementary School, with a grin after a Saturday night’s harmony-filled performance. She rode from Livermore with her parents and her older brother Tait, who says he loved the play’s snow scene.
“I liked it when the snail came out of his shell!” said little Amira Porter-Staufferm, who also enjoyed the play.
It would be hard to find a more wholesome way to spend an evening this holiday season. The play and bring smiles to just about all the audience members—even if they’re shaking their heads at the simple jokes in the process. The humorously rendered moralistic lessons and beautiful harmonies make for a strong production with just enough excitement to keep kids perched on the edges of their seats.
A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD
Through Dec. 11
Mainstage Theater, UCSC
Tickets $18–$40 at 831.459.2159 or shakespearesantacruz.org.
