A New Chapter for a Beloved Story
A cherished children's story is set to come alive on stage at West Texas A&M University Theatre. The musical "A Year with Frog and Toad," based on the classic books by Arnold Lobel, will be performed from Friday, October 31, to Sunday, November 9, in the Branding Iron Theatre within the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex on WT’s campus in Canyon.
Bradley Behrmann, associate professor of musical theatre in the Department of Art, Theatre and Dance, shared his excitement about the production. “These are the characters and stories that you know from the beloved books,” he said. “It is a really smart adaptation that brings the world to life, and it's delightful to see into their little world and witness all of their shenanigans over the course of a year.”
The show follows the adventures of two best friends, Frog and Toad, who have distinct personalities. Frog, played by Kyle Roberson, is described as collected and sincere, with a kind bluntness that never intends to hurt anyone. Meanwhile, Toad, portrayed by Adam Lee Roberson, is nervous and stubborn but also sweet. Their friendship is central to the story, and the production aims to highlight their unique traits without altering them.
Characters and Performers
Kyle Roberson, a senior theater major from Amarillo, emphasized Frog's character: “He’s very sincere while still being a little bit blunt at times — but a kind bluntness. He doesn’t want to hurt Toad’s feelings ever, and he’s always sorry.”
Adam Lee Roberson, a senior theater major from La Porte, added, “Toad is very nervous, but he’s also very stubborn. He’s very sweet, and I feel like shows like to take a character like this and mold him into something different. But this show doesn’t treat (his personality traits) as problems. That’s just who he is, and that’s just how Frog likes him.”
The cast includes several WT musical theatre and theatre students. Isa Slaughter, from Odessa, plays Snail, while ensemble members include Logan Lawhon, from Midland; Jewels Rodriguez, from El Paso; Noa Sorrell, from Fort Worth; and Corinthia Townsend, from Garland. Emcees for the show are Jacqueline Arellano, from El Paso; Hope Joyce, from Odessa; MarLowe Martinez, from El Paso; and Michael Platt, from Melissa.
Behind the Scenes
The production is supported by an all-student design team. Sterling Knight, from Amarillo, is the scenic designer, while Brooklynn Johnson, from Lubbock, serves as costume designer. Dani Collins, from Lubbock, handles hair and makeup, and Adrian Boyles, from Decatur, is the lighting designer. Sarah Hope, from Amarillo, is the stage manager, and Fayth Thompson, from Andrews, acts as assistant director. Additional roles include Bryson Shelton, from Amarillo, as assisting lighting designer; Emily Wilson, from Lubbock, as assistant choreographer; Caleb Simmons, from Childress, as assistant stage manager; and Leilani Smith, from West, as assistant stage manager.
Showtimes and Tickets
The show will have three evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on October 31 and November 6 to 7, and four matinee performances at 2:30 p.m. on November 1, 2, 8, and 9. Tickets are priced at $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, and free for WT students, faculty, and staff with a Buff Gold Card.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact 806-651-2810, email [email protected], or visit cur8.com/projects/17516.
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