My daughter, Nora, watched our dress rehearsal the weekend before opening night. She uncharacteristically had not yet been to a practice and told my wife she needed to see it in case she had notes. Naturally - I was curious as to what those notes might be (she had many), but more so I was curious to know what she thought was the message of the story. We did not read Alfred Lobel’s Newberry Award winning series of books when she was younger. Prior to seeing the show, all she knew of Frog and Toad was based on what she gleaned from hearing me routinely misquote the lyrics while singing my way around the house. 

“Friendship isn’t delicate,” she said and then clarified, “Friendship isn’t delicate, or it shouldn’t be.  If you are really good friends, it isn’t delicate.” She continued, “I love that Frog believes in Snail, and that Snail believes in herself.” She ended her reflection with “and just happiness - it just made me smile. My cheeks hurt after because I smiled the entire show”.  

This episodic adaptation of Lobel’s books has so much to offer audiences young and old. The narrative is simple on its face, but contains within it a rich and complex landscape of thematic ideas.  

Our cast of actors, our crew of technical artists, and our ensemble of musicians have served this story so brilliantly and beautifully. They have taken such joy in the discovery of its themes, of finding the fun in every moment, and of sharing Toad's triumphs and Frog's optimism. I am so proud of the artistry each student has affectionately offered to Alfred Lobel’s world and its characters. 

I hope it makes you smile too.

 ~Brian Hardie

Welcome to our Lincoln High School production of A Year with Frog and Toad!