To follow the progress of the production, visit the student blog: https://frogandtoadwsgc14.blogspot.com.

Garden City, N.Y., Monday, June 2nd 2014 –  It is the tradition at the Waldorf School of Garden City for a class to perform a play in their senior year, entertaining parents, friends, students and the community at large. In June, the class of 2014 will perform A Year with Frog and Toad, a play based on the children’s books by Arnold Lobel. The class of 25 students will perform the play two times for the public: Thursday, June 5th at 8:00 pm, and Saturday, June 7th at 8:00 pm. These performances will take place in the school auditorium. Admission is free but there is a suggested donation of $5.00.

High School English and Drama teacher, as well as the director of the play, Deirdre Burns Somers said, “This lively and fun play is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.”

Based on the beloved children’s books by the late Arnold Lobel, the musical A Year with Frog and Toad was produced by Lobel’s daughter Adrianne. The show’s music, book, and lyrics were written by brothers, Robert and Willie Reale, and in 2000, the musical was workshopped at New York Stage and Film at Vassar College. It subsequently debuted at the Children’s Theatre in Minneapolis and then premiered on Broadway in 2003 at the Cort Theatre to critical acclaim.

A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that weathers all seasons. The musical follows two very close, yet different, friends with their other animal friends as they journey though a fun-filled four seasons. Frog and Toad learn life lessons, and celebrate what makes them unique and special along the way.

The students utilize several aspects of their education in the production as they explore their artistic and creative abilities, design costumes and sets, sing, play instruments, act, and work backstage while recalling and using many of the performance skills they have developed over the years. It is an integral part of the Waldorf curriculum to stimulate growth and confidence in a student’s mind with activities that are presented in creative and exciting forms such as a play. The play is a fun and lasting experience for the students. For these intense and comprehensive experiences, the students are given a great deal of responsibility, as they carry out all aspects of the production.

Founded in 1947 and located at 225 Cambridge Avenue adjacent to Adelphi University, The Waldorf School of Garden City offers classes from nursery through grade 12 and is accredited by the New York State association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). For more information, call (516) 742-3434 or visit: www.waldorfgarden.org.