FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE ELEMENTARY
Production of
A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD-KIDS
Music by Robert Reale
Book and Lyrics by Willie Reale
Based on the books by Arnold Lobel
The treasured characters from the children’s books and the beautiful Broadway musical hop from page to stage in this story of friendship and adventure.
Adapted from the three-time-Tony-nominated Broadway hit comes A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS. Based on Arnold Lobel's well-loved books, the jazzy, upbeat score bubbles with melody. Part vaudeville, part make-believe, and all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.
This whimsical show follows two great friends – the cheerful, popular Frog, and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. Throughout the year, two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special.
A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS is a great first choice for young performers, with plenty of ensemble roles, accessible music and minimal sets and costumes.
Source: https://www.mtishows.com/a-year-with-frog-and-toad-kids
EACH ROLE HAS A SCENE AND A SONG YOU WILL NEED TO PREPARE FOR YOUR AUDITION
Calm, collected, put together. Toad’s best pal and knows how to respond to Toad’s many crises! Frog is prepared, even-tempered, and only wants the best for his friend.
Serious, irritable, and self-conscious, yet oddly charismatic. Toad tends to be anxious. Though they are very different, Frog and Toad are best friends.
If you're auditioning to be one of Frog or Toad, you'll be asked to read a scene as either character. I've attached a picture of it here. Scroll to the bottom for the audition SONG.
Each of Mouse, Turtle and Lizard are a solo part. While there may be other little lizards, mice and turtles on stage, there is only 1 Mouse, Turtle and Lizard that have lines in the script.
Asks a lot of questions. The right questions – not unlike a talk-show host! Mouse is full of fun and is good friends with Turtle.
A rabble-rouser who loves to get the whole gang to tease Toad (but isn’t a mean person). Turtle is not a bully, just a playful friend.
Friends with Mouse and Turtle. Definitely the most confused of the Turtle-Mouse-Lizard trio but eventually joins in the fun.
If you're auditioning to be one of Mouse, Turtle, or Lizard, you'll be asked to read a scene as Mouse. I've attached a picture of it here. Scroll to the bottom for the audition SONG.
These roles are groups. There are some members of these groups with solo speaking and singing lines, and some who are part of the small group singing ensemble. Read about them below.
The birds introduce us to the show, and are seen throughout Frog and Toad's adventures. The birds are slightly dramatic, very fun characters!
The snails are pure comedy. They (verrrry slowly) deliver a letter from Frog to Toad and sing their song in three different ways throughout the show. They are very determined and focused, but very slow.
Another group of four, the Moles watch the disaster that turns out to be Frog and Toad trying to slide down a hill. They're funny, but it's more along the lines of deadpan observational humour.
Our two pesky squirrels see Frog and Toad raking leaves. Do you think that they can resist the urge to go mess up the leaves? (The answer is no).
If you're auditioning to be one of the birds, snails, moles, or squirrels; you will be given the Snails' first scene to read for your audition. I've attached a picture of it here. See below for audition SONG.
ALL AUDITIONEES will be given the exerpt below from the song "Down the Hill".
*If you prefer to sing something different, let me know so I can play that instead during your audition.
Sing the beginning of the song "Down the Hill"
"Down the hill, we are sliding;
Down the hill, gently gliding;
Down the Hill.
Oh to see the scenery; such a lovely sight.
Don't you love the greenery; frosted all in white."
The image above contains the melody of the audition section written out in musical notation.