Hopping Through the Seasons: Asolo Rep’s A Year with Frog and Toad is a Ribbiting Delight
If ever there was a show to make your heart smile, it’s A Year with Frog and Toad—and Asolo Repertory Theatre has brought it to life with a spoonful of sugar, a dash of jazz, and a whole lot of heart. Based on the charming books by Arnold Lobel, this sweet-as-cookies musical follows best buds Frog and Toad as they bumble, leap, and laugh their way through a year of seasonal adventures.
It’s a tale of friendship so pure and cozy, it could warm even the chilliest of winter nights—or at least make you want to send a letter to your best friend (preferably delivered by snail).
From Lily Pads to Laughter
From the moment the curtain rose, the world turned a little brighter. The set looked like it had jumped out of a picture book—lush greens, cozy cottages, and twinkling trees that shifted magically from spring buds to autumn leaves to gentle winter snow.
Frog was smooth and sunny, the kind of friend who always knows what to say (and when to bake cookies). Toad? Lovably cranky, anxious about everything from swimsuits to snail mail—but oh, so huggable. Their differences made them even better together, and their friendship was the kind of soul-soothing magic we all need more of.
A Cast of Colorful Creatures
Let’s talk about the snail. Or better yet, let’s applaud every slow-motion entrance this little mail-carrying marvel made. The kids in the audience howled with laughter, and frankly, so did the grown-ups. Every cast member—whether mole, bird, or frog-in-disguise—added a touch of sparkle and silliness to the story.
And those birds! A jazzy trio fluttering in and out with snappy harmonies and sassy struts, helping guide us from season to season with flair and feathers.
The Music? Toe-Tapping Joy
Robert and Willie Reale’s music danced between ragtime, vaudeville, and jazz—full of bounce and warmth. “Cookies” had us all craving sweets and self-control. “He’ll Never Know” was a gentle, almost tear-jerking lullaby of quiet friendship. And the band? As snappy as a frog’s fingers (or as close as a frog can get to snapping).
You’ll find yourself humming along by summer and swaying by winter. It’s musical sunshine.
For the Young and Young-at-Heart
This wasn’t just a kids’ show. Sure, the little ones giggled at Toad’s fussing and Frog’s calm reassurances—but the grown-ups caught the deeper stuff: the quiet loyalty of true friendship, the bravery in vulnerability, and the magic of small moments. There were life lessons tucked inside every laugh, every letter, every leaf that fell.
It’s rare to find something that truly bridges generations, but this show did just that. Whether you’re six, sixty, or somewhere in between, you’ll leave with a heart three sizes bigger.
Why We Loved It (and You Will Too)
- Because it’s wholesome without being saccharine.
- Because it reminds you to write the letter, rake the leaves, and eat the cookie.
- Because it made us laugh out loud and then quietly reflect.
- Because sometimes, the simplest stories are the ones that stay with us the longest.
Asolo Rep’s A Year with Frog and Toad wasn’t flashy or over-the-top. It was something better: honest, sweet, funny, and filled with the kind of theatrical magic that makes you feel like a kid again.
So hop, skip, or hop-skip-jump your way to the next showing if you can. And if you missed it? Send yourself a letter reminding you to never miss another season at Asolo.
Final Verdict:
Five out of five lily pads.
Heart full. Feet tapping. Smile still lingering.
