by Kirk Compton
It’s a basic truth that life is challenging. The reasoning as to why can vary significantly based on the individual; however, each cause is valid in its own unique way. While there is no golden ticket or get out of jail free card to magically make things better, there is at least one single thing that can offer a ray of light during a dark time – it’s called a friend.
A single friend – or even a group of friends – can make an incredible difference. They can be a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, a hand to hold, or support when needed to lean. On the path of life, having a friend does not level the mountains to be climbed, but it does mean the journey will be made in tandem and with the strength of two versus one.
Few stories impart the worth of friendship – of its simplicity and significance – like Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad series. These books, while humble, share tales of two friends – Frog and Toad – who approach problematic scenarios independently but as a united duo. Their adventures convey meaningful honesties which can be appreciated by any reader.
Local group, Halifax County Little Theatre, understands the magnitude of friendship and how this is told on the written pages of the Frog and Toad tetralogy. To share the stories, they are bringing these characters and their adventures to life on the stage as a musical. One half of the pair, Toad, will be portrayed by the talented Reagan-Lynne Elliott.
If you’ve attended recent HCLT productions, you’ve likely seen Elliott’s efforts either treading the boards or helping backstage. In the past three years, Reagan has acted in HCLT’s The Wizard of Oz and assisted behind the scenes in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Finding Nemo Jr., and The Play That Goes Wrong.
For A Year with Frog and Toad, Elliott is excited to undertake the personality that is ‘Toad’. Generally, more the pessimist in the namesake twosome, Toad is associated with being a serious and often melancholy worrier which is the foil of Frog, the happier and more relaxed personality.
“Deepening my research into Toad has made inhabiting the character feel natural, as I’ve discovered many personal similarities.” Further, Elliott says, “Toad’s pessimism mirrors how many of us view the world as we age; we naturally brace for the worst. Tapping into his emotional roller coaster felt intuitive to me because his reactions are so human and grounded. While he is often seen as just a comedic character, I see him as someone deeply prepared and aware.”
Prior to auditioning, Elliott knew of the Lobel collection and recalled the impression they made on her as child.
“The Frog and Toad stories are among my earliest memories. My mother, a veteran educator in North Carolina’s school systems, instilled a love for reading in me from a very young age. These stories resurfaced in second grade when my counselor used ‘The Lost Button’ to teach us the value of friendship. While that specific story isn’t in the musical, the show beautifully adapts the most iconic chapters into music. The dialogue and lyrics are so faithful to the original text that it feels like the books have truly come to life. It’s a production for all ages that carries a timeless message.”
On the production, it’s no small feat to memorize dialog as well as music and choreography; however, Elliott detailed that this process has been smooth and well organized.
“Rehearsals have been seamless. Sandy Slayton cast a prepared, dedicated group, and the talent within our young ensemble is truly incredible. Working with Austin Myers (Frog) has been a highlight; we both treat the craft with professional rigor, making it easy to play off one another. Whether in professional or community theatre, I hold myself and my peers to high expectations, and the team at Halifax County Little Theatre is exceeding them at every turn.”
Further, given her experience in behind-the-scenesposts, Elliott lauded the team of individuals who arebacking up the cast outside the spotlights.
“While audiences often marvel at the hard work of the performers, I believe the real magic happens backstage. It takes an incredible amount of labor – set construction, costuming, lighting, and stage management – and every component is vital to a complete show. There is often more work happening behind the scenes than on stage, and we are lucky to have an incredible team of parents, HCLT board members, and dedicated volunteers. We truly couldn’t do it without them.”
Elliott, who takes pride in her career as a professional entertainer, is energized by her younger castmates and their function in introducing the adventures of Frog and Toad to the local community.
“Currently, arts programs nationally and worldwide are facing budget cuts and a lack of interest, which is why productions like A Year with Frog and Toad are so essential. This show is a perfect entry point for children, teaching perseverance, kindness, and the beauty of our differences. It demonstrates how people of all backgrounds can unite to create something magical. In a world where we consume art daily – through what we read, watch, and hear – we must remember that the arts are a key pillar of child development. Without them, what would we truly have left?”
Additionally, Elliott wants everyone – no matter the age – to attend a showing of A Year with Frog and Toad to enjoythe tremendous effort of the full theatrical company and the heartfelt message shared.
“A Year with Frog and Toad is a delightful escape for the entire family. It’s a production packed with humor, heart, and the kind of sweet, timeless lessons that stay with you long after the curtain falls. When you step into our whimsical world, you’ll be swept away by catchy songs, vibrant storytelling, and a celebration of friendship that resonates with children and adults alike. The sheer talent of this cast and crew brings an energy to the stage that is absolutely infectious – you’ll likely find yourself wanting to see it twice! It is truly a magical experience that every member of the family will enjoy.”
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.