by Beth Layne
Beginning February 20, at The Prizery in South Boston, be prepared to be delighted by Halifax County Little Theatre’s production of A Year with Frog and Toad, a classic children’s tale of friendship and wisdom. Directed by Sandy Slayton, the humorous musical teaches life lessons about accepting differences and valuing friendship with a cast of 20 precocious children, five adults, and two seasoned actors, Reagan Elliott, who takes on the title role of Toad, and Austin Myers, who portrays her best friend, Frog.
You may have heard Austin’s velvety vocals at Factory Street Brewing Company when he joined David Duffer and Keith Washo for a trio of love songs during their Dueling Pianos show. Austin Myers’ silk-smooth, rich baritone tenor conjures the magic of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, who happen to be his biggest musical influences, along with Ella Fitzgerald.
A Navy veteran with a BFA in musical theatre from VCU, Austin fell in love with singing and acting when he was 12 years old. His favorites include playing Javert in Les Misérables and Lancelot in Spamalot. Dream roles for Austin include the title roles in Phantom of the Opera and Sweeney Todd.
Austin describes Frog’s personality as “very relaxed, very calm, and very friendly. He wakes up every morning with only one goal: to enjoy the day. While Frog appreciates friendship and values people around him, he also treasures alone time.”
According to Austin, “Everybody has or wants to have a best friend. It might be a spouse, a parent, or a peer.” Toad is Frog’s best friend, and the play follows them through a year of friendship when they wake up from hibernation in the spring, and they go through each season to the end of the play when they prepare for their long winter’s sleep.
While every actor brings his own slant to each role, Austin says the actor is also influenced by his character. Frog’s positive outlook has definitely influenced him to see the sunnier side of life. He also credits the welcoming people of Halifax County and South Boston for making him feel a valued part of the community.
Additionally, Austin has been influenced by the children’s pure joy in practice and performance. Their innocence and ability to “be in the moment” have been infectious. “They are not embarrassed by their mistakes. They shake them off and try again.”
Director Sandy Slayton was thrilled when she heard Austin’s audition. Directing Frog and Toad has been a long-term dream for her. “Having two talented and experienced actors, Reagan Elliott and Austin Myers, turned this dream of mine into a wonderful reality. They are both extremely dedicated. Not only do they come to rehearsal prepared, they are also both quick to offer advice and encouragement to the younger cast members.”
According to Sandy, Austin comes to every rehearsal dressed in green and brown to help make the transition to Frog more complete. However, don’t expect to hear any squawking from Frog. His voice is definitely more croon than croak.
Enjoy this whimsical tale of amphibian friendship beginning Friday, February 20, and running through Sunday, March 1. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at hclt.booktix.com or in person at the South Boston/Halifax County Visitors Center at 1180 Bill Tuck Highway or at The Prizery box office on show days. Hop on over for a musical treat for the ears, eyes, and soul.