By Sam Mooney
A most enjoyable morning in Toronto with hundreds of Grade 2 students and A Year With Frog And Toad
Today is the first time I’ve ever gone to see a play at 10.30 in the morning. The truth is, once you’re inside the theatre it could be 10.30 at night. Not for this production of A Year With Frog And Toad at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People though: it would have been past bedtime for most of the audience – 4 bus loads of Grade 2 students.
Off the top, A Year With Frog And Toad is marvellous. Great performances from a terrific cast, gently funny dialogue, and lots of singing and dancing add up to a very entertaining show.
Kudos to the front of house people, seating all those kids must require a lot of patience and planning. Overheard as they filed in – “This is awesome!” and “Wow! Do we get to sit right in front?” Next to me one experienced little theatre-goer was explaining the stage and set to a newbie. Just before the show started someone behind me said “I see people hiding behind the black thing!” (It was the pianist sitting at the piano.)
I didn’t know about the Frog and Toad books. Apparently the show is based on more than one of the stories. It lasts for 66 minutes which could be pushing it a bit for younger children, there was a fair amount of restlessness near the end, although no one minded.
There are 4 stories in the show – one for each season, and there is a main story that ties it all together. All the characters were lovable but I think my favourite was the snail. The costumes were terrific. They looked like old-fashioned illustrations from a children’s book.
The kids loved the show. So did the grown-ups. Definitely worth seeing, even if you have to borrow a kid. Perfect if you’re looking for something to do during Christmas break in Toronto.
Details:
– A Year With Frog And Toad plays until December 30 at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, 165 Front Street East
– Performances are generally Monday to Thursday at 10.30 am and 1.00 pm and on Saturday and Sunday at 2.00 pm, best to check the schedule.
– Tickets are $15.00 to $20.00 and are available online, at the box office, or by phone at 416.862.2222
– Photo of Cara Hunter, Louise Pitre, Kevin Dennis, Allen MacInnis, Jennifer Villaverde by Daniel Alexander