A Year with Frog & Toad
Based on the books by Arnold Lobel
Book and Lyrics by Willie Reale, Music by Robert Reale
Directed by Shalanda Sims
Run time: 75 minutes, no intermission
Originally presented on Broadway by Bob Boyett, Adrianne Lobel, Michael Gardner, Lawrence Horowitz and Roy Furman
World Premiere at The Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis, MN
A Year with Frog and Toad TYA is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.
Thank you to our sponsors!
![Frog_Toad_4 | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Frog_Toad_4-400x400.jpg)
Regional Arts and Culture Council
Kafoury McDougal: Lawyers for the People
Oregon Arts Commission
Oregon Cultural Trust
Pacific Office Automation
NWCT’s Donor Families
Media sponsors:
PDX Parent
The Oregonian/Oregon Live
NW Kids
![Frog_Toad_3 | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Frog_Toad_3-400x400.jpg)
Cast
FROG: Alex Gray
TOAD: Brandy Schnaars
SNAIL: Stella Mackay
BIRD/ENSEMBLE: Aliyah Lamb
BIRD/ENSEMBLE: Ingid O’Boyle Rosenau
BIRD/ENSEMBLE: Jorja Reed
Creative Team
DIRECTOR: Shalanda Sims
MUSIC DIRECTOR: Joshua Sommerville
CHOREOGRAPHER: Gabriela Portuguez
SCENIC & PROPERTIES DESIGNER: John Ellingson
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Paul Brown
COSTUME DESIGNER: Nancy Christy
SOUND DESIGNER: Henry Martin
STAGE MANAGER: Roger Monroe
Production & Support
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: Sarah Jane Hardy
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Steve Hambrick
MASTER CARPENTER: Paul Brown
BOARD OPERATOR: Henty Martin
BACKSTAGE CREW: Flip Chen, Max O’Hare
STITCHERS: Claudia LaRue, Gowri Ganesh, Meera Nair, Michelle Wiley, Signe Larsen, Tevis Hockenbury
MARKETING DIRECTOR: Rachael Brown
PHOTOGRAPHY: David Kinder
VIDEOGRAPHY: Jillian Jackson
POSTER ART: Lea Zawada
GRAPHIC DESIGN: SUCHa Production
Musical Numbers
![Frog_Toad_1-1 | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Frog_Toad_1-1-291x400.jpg)
Opening / A Year with Frog and Toad: FROG, TOAD, BIRDS
It’s Spring: FROG, TOAD, BIRDS
Seeds: TOAD
The Letter – #1: SNAIL
Getta Loada Toad: FROG, TOAD, TURTLE, MOUSE, LIZARD
Underwater Ballet
Alone
The Letter – #2: SNAIL
Cookies: FROG, TOAD, BIRDS
The Kite: FROG, TOAD, BIRDS
A Year with Frog and Toad – Reprise: BIRDS
She’ll Never Know: FROG & TOAD
Shivers: FROG, TOAD, YOUNG FROG, MOTHER FROG, FATHER FROG, BIG & TERRIBLE FROG
The Letter – #3: SNAIL
Down the Hill: FROG, TOAD, MOLES
I’m Coming Out of My Shell: SNAIL
Toad to the Rescue: TOAD, MOLES
Merry Almost Christmas: FROG, TOAD, MOLES
Finale: FROG, TOAD, BIRDS
Meet the Cast
![Alex-SQUARE | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Alex-SQUARE-400x400.png)
Alex Gray (Frog) is so excited to be in NWCT’s production of Frog & Toad!
“This was one of my favorite musicals as a kid, so to be able to put my own spin on it as Frog is incredible,” she says. “I can tell that all of us truly care about putting on a great show for the kids– and that just makes me want to work even harder.”
Alex’s last production was World Stage Theatre’s Once on This Island in October. She is also a professional journalist, working as a News Producer at a local TV station. Alex would like to thank her parents and friends for believing in her many, many dreams.
Since Frog & Toad is all about friendship, Alex would also like to give a shout out to her friend Carrie.
“She is kind and thoughtful,” Alex says. “There is never a time we are not laughing together. Without her, I don’t know if I would have felt ‘at home’ in Portland.”
![Brandy-SQUARE | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Brandy-SQUARE-400x400.png)
Brandy Schnaars (Toad) is beyond thrilled for her first NWCT production! Previously, she appeared in OCT’s Goodnight Moon as a sweet old lady just trying to get a bunny to sleep, and as the Sea Witch in Funhouse Lounge’s production of Twisted. You may also have seen her in several Nutz-n-Boltz productions.
A performer since middle school, Brandy continues to push herself any chance she has by taking lessons and classes. She is a firm believer that age or body type should never stop someone from pursuing what they love. She couldn’t do any of this without her loving husband, wonderful children, and friends, all of whom are pure magic.
Fun Facts: Brandy’s favorite kind of cookie is molasses. Her favorite season is fall because she loves the cool breeze after the summer and the beautiful changing leaves.
![Stella-SQUARE | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stella-SQUARE-1024x1024.png)
Stella MacKay (Snail) most recently appeared as Sam the Snowman (u/s) in NWCT’s Rudolph! She is sixteen years old and a proud member of Catalyst: NWCT’s Youth Company.
Some of Stella’s favorite roles include Michael in Elf and Orcus in She Kills Monsters. So far, her favorite NWCT memory is performing on The Judy’s new stage for the first time as a Squirelle in Elephant & Piggie.
“It was very special to be a part of a huge new chapter for NWCT,” she says.
Stella’s favorite season is spring, because it’s not too hot and not too cold. Her favorite cookie is oatmeal raisin, even though she “knows it isn’t the crowd favorite.”
Stella would like to thank her friends and family, as well as everyone who was a part of this process for being such a delight to work with. Gotta run!
![Square_Aliyah | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Square_Aliyah-400x400.jpg)
Aliyah Lamb (Bird, Lizard, Mother Frog, Mole, Squirrel ) is excited to perform with some of her closest friends!
Aliyah is about to graduate from both high school and NWCT’s youth company, Catalyst. Recently, you may have seen her in Elephant & Piggie, or at Bridgetown Conservatory’s In Pieces. She is set to return to Bridgetown as Marcie in their upcoming production of Dogfight.
Aliyah’s favorite season is autumn because she loves the orange leaves and cold, sunny weather. Her favorite cookie is frosted vanilla. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her.
![Ingrid-SQUARE | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ingrid-SQUARE-400x400.png)
Ingrid O’Boyle Rosenau (Bird, Mouse, Young Frog, Mole) trains with NWCT’s youth company, Catalyst. So far, Ingrid’s favorite memory with the company is working on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
“It was such an accepting and welcoming environment, and it taught me so much about physical acting and working with adults,” she says. “I definitely got closer to castmates I already knew, and also made lifelong connections with those I might not have known as well beforehand.”
Ingrid’s favorite season is summer because of the warm weather and outdoor concerts. Her favorite outdoor activity is swimming in lakes and rivers – and oceans when possible!
Ingrid would like to thank the other youth actors in the cast for always hyping her up and making her laugh!
![Jorja-SQUARE | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Jorja-SQUARE-400x400.png)
Jorja Reed (Bird, Turtle, Father Frog, Squirrel, Mole) can’t wait to return to NWCT after performing in Elephant & Piggie last spring.
Some of Jorja’s favorite roles include Matilda (Matilda), Brigitta (The Sound of Music), Bebe (A Chorus Line), Jason (Falsettos), and Veronica (Heathers).
Jorja’s favorite outdoor activity is swimming. “My mom has always encouraged it by taking my sister and I to rivers and lakes,” she says. She also loves the sunshine and warm weather that summer brings.
Jorja would like to thank her friends (EEJJ), her family, and everyone who worked on Frog and Toad for supporting her!
Meet the Creative Team
![SSims-Headshot-Shalanda-Sims | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SSims-Headshot-Shalanda-Sims.jpg)
Shalanda Sims (Director) is a writer, actor, singer, and director with more than twenty-five years of experience in arts education and advocating for youth.
Known for her commitment to excellence and her love of community, Shalanda exemplifies “Black Joy” through her interactions, work ethic, and conversations. As founder and executive director of World Stage Theatre, she offers space and opportunity for participants of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds to imagine and grow together.
Shalanda is the author of one children’s book, The Hooded Quilt, and seven plays, including Church Girls (Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest playwriting category). In 2022, her play Vanport was commissioned by the Vanport Mosaic Festival. The play later ran for three consecutive sold-out weeks at NWCT, receiving both local and national coverage.
As a vocalist and actor, Shalanda has had the privilege and honor of touring the country and abroad on stages small and grand. She has performed with the Portland Opera, Oregon Symphony, and Portland Center Stage, to name just a few.
Shalanda’s favorite season is spring because flowers are beginning to bud, and there’s more daylight and sunshine. Her favorite outdoor activities include playing softball, watching softball, or working outside in her yard. You can learn more about Shalanda at shalandasims.com.
![Josh-S-Sidebar-photo-Joshua-Sommerville | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Josh-S-Sidebar-photo-Joshua-Sommerville-400x400.jpg)
Joshua Sommerville (Music Director) is excited and grateful for his first show with NWCT!
A native of Gaithersburg, MD, Joshua graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Music. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of working alongside esteemed artists such as the late Dr. Walter Turnbull (Director of the Harlem Boys Choir), Dr. Ysaye Barnwell (of the GRAMMY award-winning vocal group, Sweet Honey in the Rock), Stanley Thurston, Bill Colosimo, the late Dr. Karen Kennedy, Dr. Joyce Garrett, Dr. Patrick Lundy, Richard Odom, Dr. Stephen Holmes, Dr. Marco Merrick, and multi-GRAMMY award-winners Twinkie Clark and Melba Moore, as well as many others.
Joshua has founded three semi-professional groups: his WI.L. community choir, Unique Sounds of Love, and To Be Continued Youth Choir. His critically acclaimed workshop How Much Do You Love It? has traveled to Bermuda, Italy, Guatemala, Germany, and Africa. Joshua also tours as music director for the world-renowned choreographer Rennie Harris.
In 2020, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC hired Joshua as their assistant conductor, as well as conductor of their vocal ensemble, Seasons of Love.
Based in Portland since 2022, Joshua has worked locally with BRAVO Youth Orchestras, West Linn Lutheran Church, and the Portland Boychoir. Currently, he serves Portland and Milwaukie youth as choir director at Jefferson High School and the Portland Waldorf School, respectively.
Joshua’s favorite cookie is a soft chocolate chip cookie. His favorite seasons are spring and fall, because the weather is just right.
![Gabriela-SQUARE | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Gabriela-SQUARE-400x400.png)
Gabriela Portuguez (Choreographer) is celebrating her first production with NWCT!
Surrounded by Los Angeles’ vibrant culture and creativity, Gabriela was drawn to the stage early in life. Over the years, she has honed her skills as a performer and excelled in many artistic roles, from directing, teaching, and beyond.
As a bilingual and bicultural Latina, Gabriela is committed to creating new works that have a positive impact on young audiences. In 2011, she founded her own production company, Latin Groove PDX, which showcased original works surrounding the theme “Evolution of Latin Hip-Hop.” Her shows present a unique blend of Latin rhythms and contemporary dance styles that have earned her a loyal following.
Currently, Gabriela works as a state-certified PPS performing arts teacher at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. Her commitment to the arts is evident in her projects with Teatro Milagro as a director and choreographer for Mijita Fridita (2022) and Worry Dolls (Fall 2023). She has also choreographed for TROY at Bag&Baggage.
Gabriela’s favorite season is fall because of the sunsets and warm colors. She finds inspiration from her creative team during rehearsals and family time.
![John-regular-2 | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-regular-2-400x400.jpg)
John Ellingson (Scenic & Properties Designer) is Northwest Children’s Theater’s Associate Artistic Director. After painting more than 60 sets for the company, his duties ballooned to include set design, property design, directing, puppet making, and more.
In 2013, John received a special Drammy award for his mask design for The BFG; the following year, he received another Drammy for James and the Giant Peach. In 2015, he designed the set for NWCT’s Mary Poppins, which won both the Drammy and Portland Area Musical Theater Awards for Outstanding Set Design—the PAMTAs also awarded John’s prop design for the same production. His proudest design achievements include Matilda the Musical, The Cat in the Hat, James and the Giant Peach, Elephant and Piggie: We Are in a Play!, and The Little Mermaid. John studied puppetry in the U.K after being the recipient of the Portland Civic Theater Guild’s Leslie O. Fulton Fellowship which led to creating NWCT’s Starling series, for which he designed and fabricated over 50 original puppets, and took home another Drammy for outstanding puppetry.
![Paul-SQUARE-1 | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Paul-SQUARE-1-400x400.png)
Paul Brown (Lighting Designer & Master Carpenter) has worked with NWCT for over 20 years! One of Paul’s favorite memories is his son learning to climb the carpeted stairs leading to our old stage at the Northwest Neighborhood Cultural Center. Today, Paul’s son is 16 and helps run sound in The Black Box!
Paul’s favorite season is summer because he “gets to wear tank tops and shorts for three months!”
Since A Year with Frog & Toad is all about friendship, Paul would also like to give a shout out to Don Crossley, a former roommate, best man at his wedding, and one of the kindest people he’s ever met.
![nancy | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/nancy-1024x1024.jpg)
Nancy Christy (Costume Designer & Costume Shop Manager) has been working at NWCT for 15 years. In addition to designing costumes for Mainstage shows like Frog & Toad, Nancy also collaborates on the design and construction of costumes for NWCT’s youth company, Catalyst.
Her favorite season is spring because of all of the beautiful flowers! Her favorite cookie is ginger.
Nancy would like to thank Claudia, Tevis, Michelle, Signe, Meera, and Gowri for all their wonderful work on the costumes for Frog and Toad!
![HenryMartin-0004-230618-Henry-Martin | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/HenryMartin-0004-230618-Henry-Martin-1024x1024.jpg)
Henry Martin (Sound Designer & Board Operator) has been working with NWCT since he was a little kid. Most recently, you may have seen flinging cow patties in The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales.
Currently a production assistant, he appreciates all the opportunities NWCT has given him both onstage and behind the scenes. So far, his favorite memory with the company is stage manager Roger Monroe singing “Ring of Fire” at the alumni karaoke party.
Henry’s favorite season is autumn because of the crisp air, comfy, cozy clothes, and the chance to finally escape summer’s humidity. His favorite cookie is oatmeal chocolate chip, though he wouldn’t turn down oatmeal raisin either.
“The secret is in the oats!” he says.
![Roger-SQUARE | Northwest Children's Theater and School](https://nwcts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Roger-SQUARE-400x400.png)
Roger Monroe (Stage Manager) has been with NWCT for more than 25 years! His favorite part of working with the company is seeing youth performers come back as adults.
Roger’s favorite season is winter, and his favorite outdoor activity is hiking the gorge.
Since Frog & Toad is all about friendship, he would like to give a shoutout to Andy Alcala, the kindest, most considerate person he knows.