author: Lucille Blumberg
Rockville Musical Theatre’s A Year with Frog and Toad at the Arts Barn is an irresistibly charming journey through four seasons of friendship, growth, and delight. Adapted from Arnold Lobel’s beloved children’s books, this musical is full of wit, heart, and nostalgia. With a thoughtful design concept, a strong ensemble, and sincere storytelling, this production is as heartwarming as it is imaginative. It is a show that truly delights audiences of all ages.
Making a strong debut as director, Chad Rabago delivers a production infused with care and creativity. Every design choice, from costumes to props to lighting, works together to create a world that feels both nostalgic and new. From the moment the house opened, cast members were already in character, interacting with the set like they were browsing through an old thrift store, filled with mannequin heads, painted boxes, and wire shelving. This visual motif carries through the show, giving the entire production a whimsical, found-object feel that reinforces themes of childhood imagination and play.
Props, designed by Lillian Mckinley, were used inventively. Clothing racks became boats, hiding places, or entrances to ponds, evoking the way children turn everyday items into portals to new adventures. Umbrellas doubled as cookies or eyeballs. These choices felt cohesive and purposeful, turning practicality into theatricality.
The seasonal transitions were also cleverly handled. Scenic elements painted by Caroline Dinh featured cardboard boxes with different seasons on each side, rotated by the cast to mark time passing. Paired with lighting shifts by Kathie Rogers and Kirk Patton, sound design by Jeff Goldgeier, and subtle garland changes, the audience was transported as if leafing through the pages of a storybook. One particularly magical moment occurred in near darkness, when the light from a seed box illuminated the stage. It cast a soft glow reminiscent of a child’s nightlight.
Glenn Williams’s costume design echoed the eclectic thrift-store motif. Characters wore an array of vintage-inspired pieces. White sneakers across the board unified the cast, while accessories suggested animal characteristics with simplicity and flair. The birds wore lace dresses in 1960’s Supremes-style, the turtle sported a groovy macramé kaftan, and Frog and Toad rocked graphic tees that felt straight from a 1990s catalog.
Music direction, conduction, and performance by Owen Posnett was outstanding. The live orchestra, partially hidden behind the set, was cleverly revealed at select moments, a decision that celebrated the musicians without pulling focus from the story. The audience was clearly charmed.
Choreography by Jess Stahl was light, fun, and vaudevillian, which was an ideal match for the show’s tone. Movements were energetic but never overcomplicated, allowing the characters to shine.
Will Memmo (Toad) and Charlie Retzlaff (Frog) had magnetic chemistry that anchored the entire show. Memmo’s vocals were pitch-perfect, with resounding projection, crystal-clear diction, and expressive delivery. Retzlaff brought warmth, precision, and an intuitive sense of emotional depth to Frog—his performance never felt forced, always genuine.
The supporting cast was equally strong. Vanessa Daelemans (Bird /Lizard/Father Frog) transformed with each role, using her physicality, voice, and facial expressions to become distinct characters. Melodia Mae Rinaldi (Bird/Mother Frog/Mole) delivered powerhouse vocals with jaw-dropping ease. Mary Efimetz (Snail/Large & Terrible Frog) embodied her characters with both comedic and poetic flair; her final number as Snail, bathed in rainbow lighting, became an emotional high point, affirming self-worth and joy. Sabrie Colbert (Mouse/ Young Frog/ Squirrel/ Mole) brought a gentle and graceful energy to her many roles, while Taylor Litofsky (Bird/Turtle/Squirrel/Mole) was a bundle of bright, bounding energy throughout. Each actor brought detailed physicality and personality to their characters, enhancing the show’s whimsical spirit.
This production of A Year with Frog and Toad succeeds in all the right ways. It pulls audiences out of the real world and into a space of entertainment, wonder, and warmth. It taps into a nostalgic magic for adults and sparks new imagination for younger viewers. During intermission, children sang softly, and adults smiled to themselves. Evidence of the show’s joy lingered beyond the stage. Rabago’s thoughtful direction, paired with a wildly talented ensemble and creative team, makes for an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Whether you grew up with these characters or are just meeting them for the first time, this musical will wrap you in a cozy embrace and leave you humming all the way home. Be sure to venture out to Arts Barn and “get a load” of A Year with Frog and Toad!
Running Time: Approximately 90 minutes with one intermission
A Year With Frog & Toad plays through July 27th 2025 with Rockville Musical Theatre at The Gaithersburg Arts Barn— 311 Kent Square in Gaithersburg, MD 20878. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 301-258-6394 or by purchasing them in advance online.
Book & Lyrics by Willie Reale | Music by Robert Reale | Directed by Chad Rabago
Performance Dates: July 11 – 27, 2025 | Run Time: Approx. 1h 30m with 15-minute intermission