The popular children’s book characters, Frog and Toad, will come to life on the Palace Theatre stage this weekend with the Green Earth Players’ musical version of Arnold Lobel’s well-loved book.
The play opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 11, with another 7:30 p.m. performance Saturday and a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday. The schedule repeats next weekend, March 18-20.
The local community theater group will present a jazzy, upbeat, vaudeville-type story of the two whimsical friends in “A Year With Frog and Toad.”
Seasoned actors Casey Mckenzie and Shawn Kinsinger play the roles of Frog and Toad, respectively, with a talented list of local actors and actresses playing the roles of forest creatures as they relate to Frog and Toad through a year of adventurous experiences.
They include Shane Amborn, Terri Ebert, Anissa Hanson-Vos, DJ Luethje, Phil Voigt, Katie Walgrave, Tony Oakley, Nicole Henrichs, David Vis, Tim and Carol Ceynowa and LaDonna Iveland.
Director Carol Ceynowa said the musical is “a play that everyone of any age can enjoy.”
The show, which originated at the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre, had a successful run on Broadway and won Tony Awards for Best Musical Score and Best Book of a Musical.
“It’s the one play that I wanted to direct before I say good-bye to the theatre,” said Ceynowa, who has directed eight Green Earth Players’ productions in the Historic Palace Theatre.
“I want to thank the Green Earth Players’ board for making that possible.”
Ceynowa said she’s enjoyed the challenge of creating the costumes, set and choreography and making a kite fly in the theater.
“This has all been quite enjoyable,” said the Luverne artist. “I have an incredible cast; they have spent countless hours singing and dancing. Everyone has made this job a pure joy. I am so blessed to have my theater family.”
She specifically thanked LaDonna Van Aartsen and Sue Sandbulte and “all the musicians for donating their musical gift to this production.”
Tickets for “A Year With Frog and Toad” are available at the Palace Box Office located at 102 E. Main Street in Luverne or by calling 507-283-4339.