The Growing Stage to Present A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, 4/17-5/10

The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey completes its 2014 - 2015 Main Stage season with A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD. The show runs April 17th through May 10th with performances Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM and a special Opening Night performance at 7:30PM.

A previous production appeared at The Growing Stage in 2006. Based on the books by Arnold Lobel, A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, has book and lyrics by Willie Reale and music by Robert Reale. It was originally presented on Broadway by Bob Boyett, Adrianne Lobel, Michael Gardner, Lawrence Horowitz and Roy Furman and had its world premiere at The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This production is under the direction of Lori B. Lawrence, The Growing Stage's Director of Educational Programming with musical direction by Laura Petrie and Choreography by Jillian Petrie.

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD brings Arnold Lobel's well-loved characters from the page to the stage in Robert and Willie Reale's Tony-nominated musical. This whimsical show follows two great friends - the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad - through four, fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding, and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in their differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe, all charm, A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD tells the story of a friendship that endures, weathering all seasons. The jazzy, upbeat score of A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD bubbles with melody and wit, making it an inventive, exuberant, and enchanting musical for the whole family.

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD features the talents of five professional equity performers in the cast.
Ryan Malyar of Piscataway, a Growing Stage veteran performer, returns to our stage as Frog; Jason Scott Quinn of Hillsborough, last seen on our stage as the Dad in The Secret Life of Hubie Hartzel, plays Toad. Also in the cast are Jerielle Morwitz of Randolph, Izzy Figureoa of Laurence Harbor and Lauren Palmeri of New York, NY portraying the Bird Ensemble and various other characters.

Join us on Opening Night for a special post-show talkback with the cast and director - all tickets are $15. Saturday and Sunday tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children and seniors. To purchase tickets, visit www.growingstage.com or call (973) 347-4946. Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available. The Growing Stage's programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019, Phone: 212-541-4684, Fax : 212-397-4684, www.MTIShows.com.