CEDAR HILLS — There is something special about seeing a beloved childhood book transformed into a live theatrical experience. The challenge, of course, is capturing the charm and simplicity that made audiences fall in love with the stories in the first place. Creekside Theatre Fest’s preview production of A Year with Frog and Toad succeeded remarkably well in that regard. Through imaginative design, playful performances, and thoughtful audience engagement, the production created a whimsical world that feels as though it has stepped directly out of Arnold Lobel’s classic picture books.
That said, it’s important to understand exactly who this show is for. While the production itself is well done, A Year with Frog and Toad is clearly aimed at families with young children and adults who carry a sense of nostalgia for the original books. Those audiences will likely find a delightful evening of theater. In 2002 the story was first produced as an adapted musical under the name A Year With Frog and Toad at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN. The play followed a rarely seen path from professional children’s theatre to Broadway smash earning Tony Award nominations for creators Robert and Willie Reale. For others looking for a more substantial musical or dramatic experience, there may be stronger options available. Still, there is no denying the quality of the work being presented by Creekside Theatre Fest. If you have young children—or simply fond memories of Frog and Toad’s adventures – this production is worth seeing.
A Storybook Set That Establishes the Magic
Before a single line was spoken, I found myself smiling at Canon Hadfield‘s set design. It genuinely felt as though I had walked into one of the Frog and Toad picture books. The playful design immediately established the tone of the evening and invited audiences into the world of the story.
What impressed me most was the versatility of the set. Because the musical follows Frog and Toad throughout an entire year, the production requires frequent transitions between seasons. Hadfield’s design handled those shifts beautifully. Moving pieces transformed the space as the story progressed, helping to illustrate changing seasons while maintaining the charming storybook aesthetic.
The result was a set that felt imaginative without becoming cluttered and playful without becoming distracting. It created the perfect backdrop for the adventures of these beloved characters.
Costumes Full of Character
The visual appeal of the production continued with the costume design by Jen Christensen and Sarah Wilkins. Before the performance officially began, audience members were treated to a preview of their work as the squirrels wandered through the crowd interacting with patrons. Their costumes immediately stood out. They captured the essence of squirrels while avoiding the trap that many children’s productions fall into—looking overly cartoonish or cheesy.
That balance continued throughout the show.
When the birds appeared during the opening number, I was equally impressed. The costumes clearly communicated what each character was supposed to be while maintaining an artistic quality that elevated the production. Rather than relying solely on exaggerated animal costumes, Christensen and Wilkins created designs that were imaginative, tasteful, and visually engaging.
It takes skill to create costumes that appeal to children while still feeling sophisticated enough for adult audiences, and this design team found that balance successfully.
Audience Engagement Done Right
One of the strongest aspects of the production was its thoughtful use of audience participation.
Bright foam pads were placed near the stage, and cast members encouraged children to come sit closer to the action. It was a simple touch that immediately made young audience members feel included and welcome. The interaction continued throughout the performance. Children were invited to stand and become growing plants in Toad’s garden. Later, they helped clean up autumn leaves and even assisted with decorating a Christmas tree.
These moments could have felt forced or disruptive, but Chris Hults’ direction ensured they remained integrated into the storytelling. The interactions felt natural, playful, and perfectly suited to the target audience without taking away from the show.
Perhaps the biggest endorsement came from simply observing the children in attendance. There were many young audience members present, and they remained engaged throughout the performance. They laughed, participated enthusiastically, and seemed genuinely delighted by what was happening around them.
The show’s relatively short runtime also works in its favor. For families with younger children, shorter productions are often far more accessible and enjoyable than lengthy theatrical experiences. The pacing keeps things moving and allows the production to hold the attention of its youngest viewers from beginning to end.
Performances That Capture the Heart of the Characters
The cast continued the delight as they delivered strong performances across the board, bringing warmth and personality to the familiar characters. James Wakeland‘s portrayal of Toad was particularly memorable. His interpretation reminded me of Sheldon Cooper in all the best possible ways. He perfectly captured Toad’s anxieties, quirks, and stubbornness while maintaining the lovable nature that makes the character so enduring.
Jana Wilhite provided an excellent counterpart as Frog. She embodied the kindness, patience, and optimism that define the character, creating a Frog that felt recognizable to anyone familiar with the books. Her performance was sweet, genuine, and exactly what audiences hope to see from such a beloved character.
Vocally, the cast was consistently strong. The musical numbers were fun, energetic, and well performed, helping maintain the lighthearted atmosphere throughout the evening.
My personal favorite performance, however, belonged to Alex Kreiner. Kreiner plays multiple roles throughout the production, but his portrayal of Snail was absolutely hysterical. Through facial expressions, physical comedy, sound effects, and sheer commitment to the role, he transformed what could have been a minor character into one of the most memorable parts of the evening. Despite often appearing only briefly as he slowly scooted across the stage, Snail repeatedly stole scenes. The performance was so funny and distinctive that I found myself mimicking his sounds the next day and laughing all over again – good sign that a performer has created something special.
Creative Direction Enhances the Experience
Director Chris Hults and choreographer Luke Logan deserve considerable credit for creating such an immersive theatrical environment. Rather than limiting the action to the stage, they utilized the entire performance space. Characters moved through the audience, around the set, and throughout the venue, helping create the feeling that Frog and Toad’s world extended beyond the boundaries of the stage itself.
The staging frequently felt playful and inventive, reinforcing the whimsical tone of the production. Logan’s choreography complemented the material well, adding movement and energy without overwhelming the simple charm of the story.
Together, Hults and Logan successfully created a theatrical experience that felt like a living storybook – one that encouraged audiences to reconnect with the joy of childhood reading.
The One Significant Drawback: Ticket Prices
While I thoroughly enjoyed the production itself, I found myself wrestling with one aspect of the experience: the cost. For a show specifically targeted toward families with young children, ticket prices felt somewhat high. Adult tickets are priced at $25 plus fees, and children’s tickets cost $20 plus fees. While family pass options are available, the least expensive package still starts at $99.
As I watched the performance, I thought of numerous friends and family members whose children would absolutely adore this show. Unfortunately, I also knew many of them would likely find the cost prohibitive.
Particularly in Utah County, families are generally eager to support children’s theater and community events when they can. I couldn’t help but wonder whether lower ticket prices might have resulted in a larger audience and allowed more families access to what is genuinely a wonderful production.
That observation is not a criticism of the artistic work itself. Rather, it reflects a concern about accessibility for the very audience this production seems designed to serve.
Final Thoughts
Creekside Theatre Fest’s A Year with Frog and Toad is a charming, thoughtfully crafted production that successfully brought the childhood characters to life. Between Canon Hadfield’s imaginative set design, the delightful costumes by Jen Christensen and Sarah Wilkins, strong performances from the cast, and the creative direction of Chris Hults and Luke Logan, the production created an engaging theatrical experience that young audiences will likely remember long after the final curtain call.
While the material itself may not appeal equally to all theatergoers, families with young children and adults who grew up with Frog and Toad will find much to love. If the ticket price fits within your family’s budget, pack some snacks, bring bug spray, grab a blanket or lawn chair, and settle in for an evening of laughter and nostalgia. Judging by the smiles on the faces of the children around me, Creekside Theatre Fest has found exactly the audience this show was meant to delight.
SHOW INFO: You can see A Year with Frog and Toad until July 2nd, 2026. It is being performed at Heritage Park, (4425 W Cedar Hills Dr, Cedar Hills, UT 84062), and tickets range from $20-$25. Seating is on a hillside, so bring a blanket or lawn chair. For more information and tickets, visit their website online at https://www.creeksidetheatrefest.org/