'Frog and Toad' musical offers life lessons for all

Cardinal Stage Company's production of "A Year With Frog and Toad," nominated for three Tony Awards, will be presented at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, 16, 22 and 23, with matinees at 2 p.m. on the Saturday showings.\nThe musical is based on Arnold Lobel's "Frog and Toad" children's book series, one of the most popular books for kids in America, said Randy White, artistic director for the show. There are 12 different stories in the book. In this musical, however, the story starts in spring, goes through summer, fall and winter and ends at Christmas. \n"It is the reason that I chose it for Christmas," White said. \nHe added that this is a good Christmas show because it shows what it means to have someone special in your life and special friends around the holiday season.\nFrog and Toad live next to each other and are best friends but share little in common. Though they are opposites, they work together as friends and help each other. There are a lot of funny parts in the story, White said, noting scenes in which they try to fly kites but Toad hurts himself and one in which they eat all the cookies during baking and must stop before they get sick.\nBut these small events offer bigger life lessons, White said.\n"The characters of this musical are wonderfully helpful to each other but also have complex relationships. There is something about the way in which it can speak for children -- how friends work together and how different sensibilities conflict and combine," White said. "I don't want to call it a lecture. I don't like prescriptive. It's moving and touching entertainment without sentimentality."\nPlaying Frog will be Mike Price. The show will also feature Chris Aruffo as Toad and Alex Shotts, Anjanette Armstrong and Phoebe Spier playing several roles each.\n"I think they look like a real frog and toad, and they are a really great team," White said of Price and Aruffo.\nJon Berst will serve as both musical director and pianist. The band consists of nine people. While the musical is aimed at kids between the ages of 4 and 9, the music is 1940s jazz style. \n"The jazz is a lot like the Andrews Sisters' jazz style: pop jazz," White said. "Not only kids but also adults will enjoy the songs."\nDesigners include recent IU MFA graduate Gordon Strain, who designed the set for Cardinal's critically acclaimed production of "Unveiling," according to the show's press release. Costume designer Alexandra Morphet also created the costumes for last season's production of "Our Town," and lighting designer Lee Mannes is currently resident designer at the Bloomington Playwrights Project.\n"One of the reasons that I produced this show is there are very few musicals for children. It's wonderful accessibility, but it is very sophisticated storytelling," White said. "I thought the book was very smart. It is complex, but this musical connects ... very well."\nTickets for "A Year with Frog and Toad" are available at the Buskirk-Chumley's Sunrise Box Office, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., from noon to 5 p.m. or online at bloomingtonarts.info. Tickets can also be purchased at Bloomingfoods East, 3220 E. Third St. Ticket prices are $19 for general admission, $17 for seniors, $14 for students with a valid ID and $9 for children under 12.