Review: Synchronicity’s ‘Year with Frog and Toad’ contains a message for all ages 

The set of Synchronicity Theatre’s A Year with Frog and Toad, on stage through December 29, transports the audience from midtown Atlanta to a magical forest. Built by designer Ryan Bradburn and artist Stefnie Cerny, with lighting by Tom Priester, its whimsy is made up of tall trees, colorful flowers and, of course, the cozy abodes of beloved title characters Frog and Toad. 

A perusal of the playbill briefs us on children’s book author Arnold Stark Lobel, a self-proclaimed daydreamer who based his iconic amphibians on the optimistic and pessimistic aspects of himself. While this idea is likely lost on young audience members (ages ranged from babyhood onward), adults will notice the binary between the two friends is strong. 

Directed by Amanda Wansa Morgan and with Tony-nominated music and lyrics by Robert and Willie Reale, the show recounts a handful of Lobel’s stories season by season, from the time the pair wakes up in the spring to the time they hibernate just after Christmas. Played with energy and brilliance by Matt Baum (Frog) and Juan Carlos Unzueta (Toad), the two main characters are extremely relatable: Both have flaws, and both are loveable as well. 

The musical is enhanced by other forest dwellers, beginning with a trio of obnoxious birds who fly back after every winter. In various scenes, the same actors reappear as other critters: a thoughtless mouse (Taryn Janelle), an apathetic turtle (Sarah Joyce Hack) and the charming but tardy snail (Elliott Folds), whose key number “I’m Coming Out of My Shell” is a production highlight. Costumes by Nicole Clockel and props by Courtney Loner are well-crafted, imaginative and keep us in scene. 

One of the show’s best stories is in the summer, when Toad is ashamed of how he looks in his swimwear. The other animals make up a song to ridicule Toad and exacerbate his shame — but, in the end, nothing much happens except Frog offers him a towel: a reminder that feelings can be more challenging than life. In another moving scene, Toad is upset with Frog for being late … until a well-timed message arrives on Christmas eve. 

It’s easy to see why Synchronicity brings back A Year With Frog and Toad each season. The lessons, songs and appeal are timeless. Frog, Toad and other characters keep us laughing at their silliness but also marveling at the idea that animals have uncertainty in their lives — and they, like us, need the stability of their friends. 

Denise K. James is an ArtsATL senior editor.