Scotts Valley Performing Arts is staging its second holiday musical, “A Year with Frog & Toad” Dec. 6-7-8 and Dec. 12-13-14.
Sam Machado and David Jackson play Frog and Toad on their sled.
The musical, based on the popular children’s books b y Arnold Lobel, premiered on Broadway in 2003.
The director is Cindy Gorski, drama teacher at Pacific Collegiate School and an active supporter of the Scotts Valley Performing Arts with her husband Ray Gorski, who is the theater manager.
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What inspired you to stage this musical, “A Year with Frog & Toad”?
I chose this musical because I loved the music and story. I felt it was a great holiday message of friendship and acceptance.
How is the musical different from the books?
It is the exact same story just with some great music included.
Tell me about the actors playing the lead roles.
Frog: Sam Machado is an actor from the Salinas area who loves performing in musical theatre.
Toad: David Jackson has performed in numerous productions throughout the Bay area.
How many are in the cast?
26 actors — 16 adults and 10 young actors.
Tell me about the music.
The score was written for the Broadway production by Robert and Willie Reale.
It was nominated for a Tony for best original score.
The tunes are upbeat with a ragtime feel. Very catchy and fun.
What ages is this show appropriate for?
It is a family musical that touches all ages.
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Performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dc. 6-7, and Dec. 12-13-14 with 2 p.m. matinees Sunday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Scotts Valley Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley.
Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors 65+ and students, and $20 for children 12 and under at www.SVPAshows.org.
TOP PHOTO: The cast of “A Year with Frog and Toad,” the musical.