Karl Hamilton Joins Chicago Children's Theatre's A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD

Chicago Children's Theatre has confirmed that Chicago actor Karl Hamilton has hopped into the role of Frog in its Season 8: Grow fall opener, A Year with Frog and Toad.

Hamilton, making his Chicago Children's Theatre debut, replaces James Earl Jones II, who is molting his amphibian skin to join the national touring company ofPorgy and Bess.

Hamilton (Frog) most recently appeared in the world premiere of Disney's TheJungle Book at the Goodman Theatre. He has also played the Captain for six years in the holiday musical The Christmas Schooner. Other credits include The Three Musketeers, The Merry Wives of Windsor and As You Like It (Chicago Shakespeare), The Most Happy Fella (Ravinia), By the Music of the Spheres(Goodman), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Charlotte's Web and Mame (Drury Lane Oakbrook), Shenandoah, Aladdin, The Full Monty and For the Boys(Marriott), Meet John Doe and Miracle on 34th St (Porchlight).

Hamilton will play opposite Mark David Kaplan as Toad. Kaplan, a two-time Jeff Award winner, returns home to Chicago after recently completing his second national tour as Zazu the hornbill in The Lion King.

Completing CCT's cast for A Year with Frog and Toad is Christine Bunuan as Mouse/Young Frog, Shawn Pfautsch as Snail, and Brittani Arlandis Green as Turtle/Mother Frog.

A Year with Frog and Toad is the Tony-nominated musical based on Arnold Lobel's beloved Frog and Toad books. Lobel's well-loved animal characters jump from the page to the stage in this whimsical musical that follows two best friends - the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad - through four, fun-filled seasons.Part vaudeville, part make believe, all charm, A Year with Frog and Toadtells the story of a friendship that endures, weathering all seasons.

Chicago Children's Theatre's production is directed by Henry Godinez, resident artist at the Goodman. Performances start October 9, 2013 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Press opening is Friday, October 11 at 7 p.m. Performances run through November 24.

Single tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at chicagochildrenstheatre.org or by calling the Chicago Children's Theatre box office, (872) 222-9555. For discounted school, scout, playgroup, extended family and other group rates, visit GroupTix.net or call (773) 327-3778.