One of the most beloved children's book series is coming to center stage at the Playhouse Theatre for the entertainment of children, adults and college students alike.

The Penn State School of Theatre will be performing A Year with Frog and Toad, a musical based on the Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel. The musical tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a cheerful frog and a grumpy toad that blossoms and grows as they travel through four fun-filled seasons, learning life lessons along the way.

Helen Manfull, a retired professor of theatre and director of the play, tells the audience in her director notes to imagine a musical free from camp, cliché and coarseness, and you've got A Year with Frog and Toad.

"The musical does not talk down to children, and I think that is why it is so appealing to children, but also so appealing to adults," Manfull said.

James Marsh (sophomore-theatre), who plays Snail in the musical, said the show is "pure entertainment."

"It never preaches," he said.

Manfull said casting for the show was
hard because there are many talented students in the theatre program. She said they were committed, hard working and full of fun and vigor.

"Work on A Year with Frog and Toad has been a joyful experience for two reasons," Manfull said. "First, the cast is composed entirely of undergraduate B.A. students; second, all of the designers on the show -- scenic, costumes, lighting and sound -- are also undergraduates. Working with them and
witnessing the careful and supportive mentoring by their faculty advisers has been a pleasure."

The cast does not include any musical theatre majors. Mark Schroeder (junior-theatre), who plays Frog in the musical, said that added a challenge to the show.

"Probably the most difficult part of the show is the fact that we have to sing while dancing," he said. "None of us are musical theatre majors, so it helps us to find respect for the professionals that can do it and do it well."

Marsh said there seems to be a lot that everyone can take away from the show.

"It's very honest, but, unlike many shows that dumb down for children, it speaks to kids openly without dumbing down," Marsh said.

Manfull said to appreciate the show the audience members must come with an imagination.

"We're not trying to hide the fact that this is a show. The musicians [a keyboardist and drummer] are visible and onstage. The costumes are not animal suits; they simply feature aspects of each different animal. Basically, it's a show that requires imagination," Manfull said.

The set of the show has taken a modern twist. To simplify the set and props, much of the set will be rear-projected, reflecting the surroundings in each scene.

"I was blown away when I first saw the set. It really captures the water color style from the books, and it's larger than life with giant plants and a large, terrible frog that pops out," Schroeder said.

Manfull said the most challenging aspect of the show is the music. Although there are only two instrumentalists to accompany the singers, it is far from simple music.

"It is not simplistic music at all. The harmonies are very close, which add a very challenging aspect," Manfull said.

Marsh said it's also one of the best aspects of the show.

"It's just terrific music," he said. "It's a particular sound that you don't usually hear in a show, so it's very neat."

Before its two shows on Saturday, the cast is performing for school children around the area today and tomorrow.

"It's exciting to do shows for the kids. They have such a big imagination and can get swept away in it," Schroeder said.

Marsh said it brings him back to seeing his first high school musical.

"I remember being like 'I want that to be me!' " Marsh said.

Manfull said at the end of the day, there's no other place he'd rather be than in the theatre performing this play.

"This show teaches life lessons, perseverance, taking risks and patience," Manfull said. "These are things you have to learn in life, especially in college. In every scene there is a life experience that makes it easy for adults as well as children to connect with. It is truly a family play."