四虎影视

四虎影视’s Department of Theatre and Dance will perform the enchanting musical “A Year with Frog and Toad,” based on the beloved series of children’s books by Arnold Lobel, Feb. 26 - 28 in the University Theatre. Best friends Frog and Toad hop from the page to the stage in this exuberant story of friendship and adventure directed by faculty members Lou Arrington and Brian LeTraunik.

The play opens as hibernation ends for the lovable character Frog and his grumpy best friend Toad. We follow the characters as they plant a garden, go swimming, 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. Equal parts make believe and vaudeville style theatre are paired with a jazzy score that kids of every age are sure to enjoy.

"It’s a wonderful, charming show," said LeTraunik, instructor of theatre. “The music is great. We have ballads and dance numbers that kids will love. Parents will enjoy the jokes. It’s a fun family production, with something for everyone."

Theatre major Ciara Jackson of Bridge City stars as Frog and Thomas Gentry Jr., Friendswood, plays Toad. The cast also features Sydney Haygood, Houston; Katelyn Kirk, Lumberton; and Erin Lanier, Beaumont.

"It’s a small cast, and the music is really challenging," said LeTraunik. "We’re really proud of how hard they’ve been working. We’ve even had a guest musical director for the show, Paul Rigano. Paul is a professional musical director and composer from New York City, and we’re honored to have him join us for this production and work with our students."

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28. Young audience members are invited to stay after the matinee performances for cookies and pictures with Frog and Toad.

Tickets are $15 for general admission; $10 for senior citizens, students and LU faculty/staff; and $7 for LU students. Tickets for children under 12 are only $5. The play runs 90 minutes with one 10-minute intermission.

The University Theatre is located at 4400 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway on the LU campus.

Pictured: Ciara Jackson, of Bridge City, as Frog, and Thomas Gentry Jr., Friendswood, as Toad, star in 四虎影视's production of the children's musical, "A Year With Frog and Toad." Photo by Golden Wright, courtesy of 四虎影视.