A Year With Frog And Toad

StevePacek

If the first time is good, and the second time is even better, then the third time is definitely the charm. The proof is in all the people who saw A Year With Frog and Toad with Jeffrey Coon and Ben Dibble produced by the Arden’s Children’s Theatre in 2004, 2009 and now again in 2016.  Arden Theatre, located at 40 N. 2^nd Street in Old City, has reprised A Year With Frog and Toad for the second time and is presenting it on its F. Otto Haas stage through January 29, 2017. Steve Pacek (Snail) Elexis Morton (Turtle) and Leigha Kato (Mouse) comprise a charming ensemble of birds, family and friends to Frog and Toad. Jeffrey Coon is the cheerful Frog belting out song after song with his best friend, the somewhat grumpy Toad portrayed by Ben Dibble. A humorous joke runs throughout the seasons; Frog gives Snail a letter to mail and it takes almost a year to be delivered. Laughter abounds whenever the snail appears. The children think it’s funny that the snail is trying to run and not getting anywhere. My granddaughter did not understand the concept of “snail mail,” but she did point out to me that Frog who was bigger spoke in a loud voice and Toad who was smaller spoke in a small voice. The lighting effects on the set are outstanding as befits anything designed by Thom Weaver. Scenic Designer Donald Eastman also adds some spectacular additions to the tale as larger-than-life leaves fall from the catwalk during autumn and the two friends fly a huge kite in the air during Spring. A Year With Frog and Toad is a delight for kids and adults alike. If you missed it the first two times it was presented at the Arden,or even if you didn't, make sure you plan to see this timeless iteration. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122, visit online at www.ardentheatre.org or go to the box office at 40 N 2^nd Street.