On April 4-6 in McInnis Auditorium, Eastern’s theatre department will be putting on a production of the musical, “A Year with Frog and Toad.” This musical follows two best-friends, the cheerful Frog and his grumpy counterpart, Toad, through the four seasons, a musical based on the beloved children’s book series.
Not too long ago, casting took place for the musical. Auditions and call-backs came and went, and a full list of cast members was sent out so rehearsals could begin. As some people may know, the wonderful Richie Izzo and Luke Baker were casted to play the big roles of Frog and Toad, respectively.
However, a recent change has been made. It has been announced that the director felt Richie and Luke weren’t up to playing the important roles of Frog and Toad. Instead, at the beginning of April, a real-life frog and toad will be taking the big stage!
Hoppy, a wood frog, and Speckles, an eastern American toad, have begun rehearsal with the rest of the cast. Both are very excited to make their appearances in the production and they both appreciate the representation they are able to bring to the musical.
Hoppy was jumping for joy as he shared with us, “I’m really glad they’re giving me a shot.” He added, “I just feel like it’s really important to have real representation, you know? I really relate to these characters, and I think it’s great that Speckles and I get to bring them to life.”
Speckles agrees, he says, “I think it’s really important for characters like these to be played by us. It’s a type of diversity that isn’t often seen in theatre.” He continues on to share previous struggles he’s had in finding roles in productions. “I never really get a shot,” he laments, “nobody thinks I can do it, but this is a chance that I would never pass up. It’s a chance for me, and for Hoppy too, to show that I am just as capable as others no matter what I look like.”
Hoppy and Speckles both express excitement for these roles, both sharing it is their first time playing a main character role in a performance to this scale. Hoppy shares, “my entire family will be there. They’re all, like, really stoked about it. They’ll probably fill a lot of seats every night.” The director has asked all audience members to be cautious when choosing a seat to assure they look out for Hoppy and Speckles family members who may not be easily visible.
While Richie and Luke denied to comment, close sources say they were upset about losing the roles they worked hard for to these less experienced newcomers. Not only did they audition, and get the roles, but they also spent some time rehearsing and memorizing lines before being shifted to significantly smaller roles.
There have, however, been unconfirmed rumors of an incident occurring last week. Some say one of the chagrined actors who lost their roles had an angry outbreak during rehearsal. They supposedly proclaimed their unhappiness with the way the musical was turning out with the new actors in place. Eastern security reportedly was called in and had to physically restrain the upset actor and frog to march them out of the auditorium. Rumors say that the actor may have been firmly asked to leave the show permanently.
Others, though, are excited for Hoppy and Speckles to bring a new perspective, a real perspective, to these big roles. An anonymous source from inside the production team shares that, “They are doing really well. Richie and Luke are both great, but like, Hoppy and Speckles bring something special to the show. It’s roles they really connect with and that’s demonstrated in their performances.”
Some concerns are being addressed as rehearsals continue. The AV team has struggled to fit microphones for Hoppy and Speckles. It has also reportedly been a struggle for some actors and crew members to see Hoppy and Speckles, especially in the dark when props are being moved. There is talk of spotlights following the two main actors throughout the entire show to make them easier to see from the audience.
Even the people who aren’t happy about the last-minute change have to admit Hoppy and Speckles are good at what they do. Another source who asked to remain anonymous told us, “I’m upset on behalf of Luke and Richie, I really am. But, Hoppy and Speckles are great. They’re both so kind and they are always making people laugh. They are fun to work with on stage.”
Hoppy, Speckles, and the entire cast and crew invite everyone to come out at the beginning of April to see the show! Speckles says, “It’s just a really fun, light-hearted show about two best friends and what makes them special. It’s got something for everyone, so everyone should come out and see it!”
Colin Tomczak 
Eva Whited