‘A Year with Frog and Toad’ to Portray an All-Weather Friendship at Eisenhower Auditorium

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When Frog and Toad come out of hibernation, it’s a sign that spring is springing. The amphibious odd couple will bring their pondside adventures in the Tony Award-nominated musical “A Year with Frog and Toad” to Penn State with a production for all ages at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 19, in Eisenhower Auditorium.

Set designer Adrianne Lobel commissioned the musical based on the stories written by her father, Arnold Lobel. It had its world premiere at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis before moving to Broadway in 2003. There, it received three Tony nominations — best musical, best original score and best book.

Fresh from a winter’s rest, optimistic Frog and cantankerous Toad prep their garden, swim at the pond, rake leaves, bake cookies and more—all while learning life lessons and celebrating their differences. A jazzy, toe-tapping score by Robert and Willie Reale keeps the story moving with a pace and wit fit for any age.

Tickets — $19 for an adult, $15 for a University Park student and $19 for a person 18 and younger — may be purchased online at www.cpa.psu.edu or by phone at 814-863-0255 or 800-ARTS-TIX. Tickets are also available at four State College locations: Eisenhower Auditorium (weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Penn State Downtown Theatre Center (weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), HUB-Robeson Center Information Desk (weekdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Bryce Jordan Center (weekdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). A grant from the University Park Allocation Committee makes Penn State student prices possible.

Kids Connections, which is free for ticket holders and includes a craft-centered, child-friendly activity provided by Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center and books provided by Schlow Centre Region Library, takes place in Eisenhower one hour before the show. Due to space and time restrictions, Kids Connections participation is limited.

Patrons are welcome to bring a contribution for a book drive aimed at supporting Mid-State Literacy Council’s efforts to improve reading and learning proficiency in children. New and gently used books with reading levels of preschool to sixth grade are preferred. Blue collection buckets are located in the Eisenhower lobby during regular business hours—Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.—and during events at the auditorium.