Frog and Toad Cast C Program

2021-2022 SEASON

Robert G. Reim Theatre

THE CURTAIN

THE CURTAIN

Gateway Center for Performing Arts' Youth Theatre Company Presents

CAST C

Book & Lyrics by Willie Reale

Music by Robert Reale

Based on the books by Arnold Lobel

CAST FROG

TOAD

Biz York

SLOOPY SNAIL SLURPY SNAIL SLIDEY SNAIL BOSSY BIRD BUBBLE BIRD BRIGHT BIRD BRAVE BIRD TROUT TURTLE LEAPING LIZARD

Patrick Meyer Harry York Molly Froehlich Emma Nussbaum Lucia Young Ava Hormberg Maddie Petsch Cece Mohr Evie Lecointre

Danny Mehta WAFFLES THE MOUSE CHICKEN THE MOUSE BISCUIT THE MOUSE NIBBLES THE SQUIRREL SKIPPY SQUIRREL ACORN THE SQUIRREL SQUEAKS SQUIRREL MIGHTY MOLE MISCHIEF THE MOLE MAC THE MOLE MARVELOUS MOLE

MOLES Audrey Beyder, Norah Beyder, Lydia Merlo, Szofia Valter, Ella Wilde

Madison Mountford Rose Shew Xander York Sloane Stockwell Mia Mantovani Allie Shillito Tali Blevins Josie David Sarah Shillito Thomas Wirthlin Lillian Schoeck

SQUIRRELS Niles Chong, Wyatt David, Lauren Huff, Lucy Speropulos

LIZARDS Aidan Flavin, Evelyn Schoemehl, Molly Shearer, Kara Zaegel A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD KIDS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). www.mtishows.com.

The use of cameras or other recording devices is strictly prohibited.

CREATIVE AND CREW DIRECTOR/MUSIC DIRECTOR DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PRODUCTION MANAGER MARKETING PHOTOGRAPHY

Ashleigh Blevins SET Mary Fedak LIGHTING Abbey Paul SOUND Ariana Kroeger, Finley Mohr, PROPS Ally Pierce, Finni Preston COSTUME Stephanie Fox MASTER BUILDER Kristianna Pirrie SCENIC PAINTER Ashleigh Blevins STAGE CREW Alex Brooks

132 Hilltown Village Center Chesterfield, MO 63017 (636) 728-0066 INFO@WESTCOUNTYTEES.COM www.westcountytees.com

George Shea Tanner Douglas Justin Smith Laura Skroska Tracey Newcomb Andrew Maroney Robert Beck Delaney McCoy Becca Wirthlin

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GCPA Board Of Directors Rebecca Schulz President

Elaine Goldman Secretary

Rebecca Schulz Treasurer

Karen Bland Ed DeVault Dave Gant Beth Schartner Linda Welborn Marquitta Williams

ALEXANDRA BROOKS PHOTOGRAPHY Theatre. Dance. Headshots. alexbrooks.photos@gmail.com alexandrabrooks.photography

Artistic Director’s Note Welcome to our 2021-2022 Season! Following an epic 10-show season last year, we knew we had to go big. While we may doing half the quantity of shows this year, we've definitely shown up with blockbuster, big-Broadway fun!

I've wanted to produce Annie since the day we opened our doors - and I am elated that it has finally made it to our Main Stage Season. We've tried to secure rights for this production almost every year since we opened, so when we finally got a "yes," I was beyond gleeful. This show has always had a special place in my heart. Of course, Annie has talented kids and dogs - two of my passions - and it's the show that turned me on to theatre. But more than that, Annie Is practically a perfect show and I'd be happy to unpack that with anyone (over a cup of coffee - of course). The fact we were able to bring in Berloni Theatrical Animals will make it even more magical for you as it has for our cast...and certainly me.

Something Rotten will round out our Main Stage Season, and if you aren't familiar with it - get ready. This side-splitting, tap-dancing, Shakespearean extravaganza is going to be a massive hit.

It's hard to explain in a short paragraph - but it includes eggs and omelettes dancing on stage. If that doesn't intrigue you, I don't know what will! It's still fairly newly available and hasn't been produced a lot in our area. Be sure to secure tickets when they go on sale!

We always look forward to our Summer Season. It provides lots of opportunities for actors of all ages to get on the GCPA stage and gives us the chance to work with so many talented kids! For our Minis (age 6-10) production camp, we chose the heartwarming Frog and Toad KIDS, based on the children's book series of the same name. With lots of lovable characters and brilliantly written music and lyrics, it's the perfect fit for this slot. Whether your young actor is having their first or umpteenth theatrical experience, this is the show for them! No audition required. Registration for each of 3 camp opportunities opens January 5th. They will go fast, so set that alarm!

We are thrilled to offer two production opportunities for our middle school-age students (age 11 14). This age group often has fewer opportunities for spoken roles in our Main Stage Season, and we couldn't be happier to give them double the chances this summer. Footloose Youth Edition will fill our normal production camp slot. No need to explain why this one will be a riot - epic dancing, fun roles, hit songs, and cowboy boots!

In addition to the production camp, we will offering our first middle school production not in camp form: 13 the Musical (ages 12 - 14). This Broadway hit is a story about what it's like to be 13 told by 13-year-olds. This musical follows the story of Evan, who moves from big-city New York to a small town in Indiana and experiences all the heartache that comes with being the "new kid." This story touches on mature topics that are so prevalent at this time of life: bullying, peer pressure, family drama, and more. It sounds heavy, which being 13 can definitely feel, but this show is hysterical, touching, and a real bop. (Not sure if the 13-year-olds still say that...)

Finally, Bonnie and Clyde will close our season. The high school (age 14 - 19) production is a very special experience every year, and this year will definitely not disappoint. Following the journey of lovers-turned-outlaws, this show bookends our season with another Great Depression-Era story but notably different In tone from our red-headed-optimist. With amazing music, fun effects, and a couple you will love when you should hate them - it's a journey worthy of this coveted slot.

While we are grateful to be back on the stage - the preciousness of live theatre is still very present.

We are devoted to continuing to tell amazing stories, with amazing actors, in safe spaces. We are so grateful you are joining us.

If you like what you see, please consider joining us on our mission to provide quality, challenging, and out-of-the-box theatre for St. Louis youth. See our shows, take our classes, spread the word, volunteer, or donate. We’d love your story with GCPA to begin today.

Director’s Note What do you remember about childhood friendship? Hopefully most of us, however seasoned now on our journeys, have a few core memories of the friends and communities that carried us through our earliest seasons.

I remember Catherine, whose house backed up to our school and whose mom had an awe-inspiring vintage Barbie collection, which made for the sweetest after school playdates. I remember Chichi, whose sisters loved to braid my hair, and whose father radiated warmth and whose mother exuded strength in a way that still gives me goosebumps thinking about them. I remember Susannah, whose laughter and fiery ginger-headed spirit was comforting and contagious. She made everyone feel at home, and like home was the best place you could be.

I could go on and on reminiscing and celebrating so many. These beautiful humans were the source of much laughter and love, support and guidance, mischief and adventure. They embraced who I was and who I was becoming, the good and the bad. They became part of that journey, just as I was a part of theirs.

I know this is not everyone's story. Perhaps yours was darker, lonelier, lived on the margins or tucked deeper inside of yourself. Not all people are kind, and not all interactions are easy. I see you. And I think that's why we need Frog and Toad.

The friendship of Frog and Toad, and their many adventures together, began as classic children's books by Arnold Lobel in the 1970s. Lobel shared that Frog and Toad first came to life for him as a second grader - the same age as many of our actors in this show - when he fell ill and had to miss most of the school year. He created many of his foundational drawings and stories as an expression of what he was missing, and as a way to find friendship and connection if only in his imagination.

Lobel also spoke of Frog and Toad as two sides of himself - Toad, everanxious, cautious, happy to remain in the comfort and safety of familiarity and simplicity, and Frog, exuberant, playful, always seeking the thrill of a new adventure. Together they travel the seasons, looking out for each other, encouraging one another, laughing with each other and themselves, getting angry, feeling sad, finding their way back to each other, all along the way pushing each other - and us - toward greater mindfulness, resilience, compassion, and hopefully...joy.

And haven't we seen this with these actors these past two weeks! These amazing young people are a masterclass in resilience - learning all that it takes to put on a show and then putting on the show (many for the first time!) including auditions, learning lyrics, lines and choreography, incorporating microphones, lights and costumes, and then getting up in front of an audience and bringing this story to life - all in ten days! That in itself is beyond inspiring, but even moreso, I have watched them come alongside each other in support and friendship through this challenging process - cheering each other on, commiserating together when it got hard, taking time and making space to just be together, to listen, to play, to laugh and oh yes, we have had our share of mischief! I wouldn't trade any of it, and I believe their experience of Frog and Toad - on and off the stage - will hold In their memories and be a small part of who they are and who they become.

To bookend on a personal note, my family and I have just moved back to St. Louis after nearly six years away in Utah. The core motivator for coming back friendship. Friends who are family. Life is tough and I believe we weren't meant to do life alone, and when the opportunity opened for us to come back to the deepest and richest community we've ever known, you bet we leapt at the chance. GCPA is a big part of that community. It is so good to be back. If you haven't realized it yet, the magic of this place of belonging gets ahold of you.

My daughter - who is in the cast today! - is about as extroverted as they come, so this move has been hard on her. While my husband and I were eager to return to friendships, we were asking her to leave them. I'm sure I don't have to tell you how that hurts a mama bear's heart. And yet, here we are, together encountering Frog and Toad as one of our first experiences back in St. Louis.

There really aren't words to describe how sweet it is to watch her explore the value of deep friendship and community while experiencing it herself at a time when she needs it most. So thank you for being a part of that. I have no doubt that Frog and Toad will be a forever part of our story.

Thank you for indulging my musings. As a director, as a GCPA co-founder, as someone who is experiencing a significant home-coming while also seeking to inspire home-making for others (and as someone who designed this Playbill ), I hope you don't mind me being a little extra this time. That's how I am when I know I'm home and free to be me. Frog and Toad friends that's how we hope it is for you too! You are now forever a part of "The GCPA Fam" and we are better for having you as a part of our story.

Ashleigh Blevins

Who's Who

Audrey Beyder

Norah Beyder

Tali Blevins

Niles Chong

Josie David

Wyatt David

Aidan Flavin

Ava Hormberg

Lauren Huff

Evie Lecointre

Mia Mantovani

Danny Mehta

Lydia Merlo

Patrick Meyer

Cecilia Mohr

?

Molly Froehlich

Who's Who

Madison Mountford

Emma Nussbaum

Maddie Petsch

Lillian Schoeck

Molly Shearer

Rose Shew

Allie Shillito

Lucy Speropulos

Sloane Stockwell

Szofia Valter

?

Evelyn Schoemehl

Sarah Shillito

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Who's Who

Ella Wilde

Thomas Wirthlin

Harry York

Biz York

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Xander York

Lucia Young

Kara Zaegel

Musical Makers A NEW Registration-Based Production!

Ages 6-12 Rehearses September-May | Mondays 6:30-8pm Performs May 20th & 21st, 2023

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SCENES & SONGS Setting:

The Woods

Scene 1 - Summer, Outside the Homes of Frog and Toad A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD (OPENING)...........................................Company THE LETTER #1................................................................................................................Snails Scene 2 - Summer, The Riverbank GET A LOADA TOAD PART 1...................................................................Frog & Toad GET A LOADA TOAD PART 2...................Frog, Toad, Turtles, Mice, Lizards Scene 3 - Fall, Toad's Kitchen THE LETTER #2...............................................................................................................Snails COOKIES..............................................................................Frog, Toad, Mouse & Birds Scene 4 - Fall, Outside the Homes of Frog and Toad LEAVES............................................................................Frog, Toad, Birds & Squirrels HE'LL NEVER KNOW............................................................Frog, Toad & Squirrels Scene 5 - Winter, The Top of A Hill THE LETTER #3...............................................................................................................Snails DOWN THE HILL.......................................................Frog, Toad, Moles & Animals Scene 6 - Winter, Outside the Homes of Frog and Toad THE LETTER #4..............................................................................................................Snails MERRY ALMOST CHRISTMAS..............................................................................Moles Scene 7 - Winter, Toad's House MERRY ALMOST CHRISTMAS (REPRISE).............Frog, Toad & Company Scene 8 - Spring, Outside the Homes of Frog and Toad FINALE: A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD..................................................Company

Acknowledgments Thank you to all of our donors:

Lauren Cropper Stephanie Abbajay Denise Crosson Rhonda Adams Judith Crowder David Anderson Michelle & Robert Cuddihee Maria Anderson Lynn Davis Maria Artamanova Karen De Foy Dana Bacich Giancarlo & Tina Dell’Orco Shelley & Joshua Baclesse Marc & Amy Del Pietro Dorothy Banocy Edward DeVault Kimberly Baltimore Stacey Dick Sheren Barakat Harry Diwakaran Jennifer Barnhart Elisa Doherty Carolyn Baron Jayne Dolton Kori Baron Megan Dolton David Bates Richard Dolton Marti Bates Ryan Dolton Jason & Julie Battaglia Brennan Donahue Jay & Diana Baumohl Stacey Drake Linda Becker Sandy Dubuque Rick Beemer Jennifer Dunn Jennifer Bellm Patricia Eastman Ashley Bendoff Ted & Elaine Eckert Lisa Berman Sanay & Brian Edison Cheree Berry Mia Edison Karen Bland Holly & Daniel Egley Laurie Blanner Tracy Eichholz Kris Blanchard Robyne Elder Nate & Ashleigh Blevins Karen Elias Mary Jane Bookstaver Martille Elias Meredith Bookstaver Erin Estopare Amy Borah Mary Fedak Danijela Boric Aaron Ferguson Amy Bozarth Shaheen Ferguson Glen Brady Aaron Finnegan Jyl Brady Margaret Fischer Kathie Brazel Cathleen Fogarty Rodney Brazil Barbara Foner Angela Brennan Ariana Fort Ryan Bricker Marty & Stephanie Fox Jeffrey Brinker Laura Frank Morgan Bucciferro Anu French Cindy & David Bunte Carrie French Meg Bush Anne & Chuck Freshour Mickey Button Kayla Fuller Judy Cadice Jack Gansner Donna Caltagirone Shannon Gansner Jonathan & Jennifer Campbell Dave & Julie Gant Farrell Carfield Devin Gant Kathie Carnie Kim Garland Don Carter Michelle R. Gardner Heidi Carter Jennifer Gardner Courtney Celani Christine Geiger Anthony Certa Miranda Gelven Farrell Clancy Lea Gerdes Ann Clayton Drue Gerken Ruth Clayton Kathryn Gerwitz Timothy Cleary Ron Gibbs Danielle Coffyn Edward & Julie Glotzbach Mary Coffyn Mike & Elaine Goldman Dale Collier Judy & Al Goldman Virginia Collins Mary & Jerry Grace Rebecca Combs Georgriana Grant Dave Cooperstein Shelley Gregg Cage Coven Catherine Griffin Audrey Crabtree Catherine Griner Kathy Crandall Denice Griner Erick Creach Olivia Griner

Rob Grumich Susan Gudermuth Timothy & Monica Gunn Aida Hadzisabic Jennifer Haislar Trishia Haislar Lawrence Haliburton Laurie Hamilton Keith Hamilton Liv Hand Michelle Hand Rachel Harpin Susan Harris William Hart John Harvey Brian Harwood Elaine Hauck Katie & Dan Hauck Moira Healy Andrea Hellin Steven & Sarah Hellin Rechelle Hembree & Carrie Bechtold Elizabeth Henderson Jason Henderson Laura Hewgley Mike & Tammy Higgins John Hildebrant William Hildebrant Jen Hobin anner Hobin Kristi Holsinger Elizabeth Holzer Kristin Humes Greg & Victoria Iken Autum Jennings Armetrice Johnson Nita Jones Mary & Vic Jost Jennifer Kapetanovich John Kepler Alia Khoukaz Pamela Kibler John Kepler Laurie Kick-Tournier Kevin Kickham Casey Kleekamp Kimberly Klick Tina Klobe LIsa Kohlenberger Catherine & Adam Kopff Diane Kopitsky Al Koller Pia and Matthew Koster Beverly Kramer Jane Krasnoff Roxanne Kroeger Yelena & George Kroeger Janet Kuelker Kathleen & Alex Kummant JoAnne Lacey Connor Langford Angie Langhauser Cara Langhauser Linda & David Latham

Shanie Latham Shannon Lay Bryan Lawrence Marcus Leab William & Shannon Lemp Jessica & Shawn Leonard Lisi Levy John & Laura Limbaugh James & Allyson Linck Laurie & Sean Lock Sharon Lombardo Courtney Loosemore Kathy Lottes Emily Lowery Dennis Lowery Alaina Macia Jennifer & John MacPhee Andrea Maddock Jaclyn Marino Michael Maroney Robin Martell Kim Mathis Nathan Mattia Amy Mattia Eric Maupin Sarah McCann Jerry & Dawn McCoy John & Susanne McDonald Kelli McDonald Colleen McIntee Ann McReynolds Susan Meland George Mellman & Beth Nathan Sarah Mermelstein Mary Meyers Tina Meyer Kathy Miller Regina & Brian Miller Kevin Mitchell Karen Moehlman Lindsay Mohr Amy & Charles Moll Tim Mooney Betsey Mooney Barbara & Thomas Moran Christopher Morris Kate Morrison Gabrielle Mueller KAmy Musgraves Scott Neufeld-Wall Tim Niedbalski Sandy Newcomb Ben Nordstrom Mandi & James O'Leary Jennifer Ono Jim & Kathy Pagano Joseph & Emily Pagano Paul & Lori Pagano Charles Parish Jerre Parsons Tim & Cathy Pasierb Douglas Paul Kathy Collier Paul Mary Pentz Tammy & David Pentz

Susan Perlut Phylan Peters-Bahkou Angela Petsch Nancy Phillips-Kuelker Jodi Pierce Kristianna Pirrie Matt & Maggie Poling Kat Poppen Tonya Porshinsky Marquis Powell Mikeysa Powell Cathy Pratt Ray & Lisa Preston Susan Prichard MJ Probst Hallie Rainwater Danny Ravensberg Carolyn Recke Mary Rhodes Brooke & Kurt Richars Amanda Riley Vanessa Roman Emily Rosenfeld Elizabeth Rosebrough Emily Rosenfeld Laura Roth Stacy Rubenstein Susan & David Rubin Erin Runnels Erin Ryan Sakiyama Family Foundation Carmelita Salamon Courtney Sampson Amanda Sasser Maureen Satorius

Beth Schartner Penny Schneithorst Stephanie Schnuck Holly Schuler Elizabeth Schult Emily & Neil Schulz Joseph & Rebecca Schulz Tara Schultz Holly Schuler Mary Ann & Ken Schwartz Mary Jane & Jack Sciales Katie & Titus Sears Eric & Rosie Seppelt Ruth Shiflet Julie Siddens Heather Silguero Amie Simmons Katie Simpson Margie Sinclair-Parish Andrea Slavik Jason Slavik Mary Sly Kim Smith Martha Sneider Rebecca Soeder Mary Grace Sommers Hannah Sterkel Randall Sterkel Lynn Stockwell John Strahlman Carol Stulce Jill Strohmeyer Laura Susic Richard & Elliot Tao Julie Taylor

Kristen Terrill Barbara & Mark Thibodeau Tamara & Demetrius Thomas Porscha Thompson Judith Thunderheart Elizabeth & John Tiffin Laurie Tournier Teresa & Scott Turner Molly Turpin Ann Van Ess Liz Van Ess-Shipp Lakeasha Veasley Mauricio & Laurie Velasquez Sarah Veninga Ranie Verby Julie & Peter Villhard Paul & Karen Villhard Sarah Vlodek Jenny Vordtriede Jennifer Wade Sarah Wahl Dennis Wall Hillary Wall Jodi Ward Linda Welborn Patricia Westby Andrea Wiegert Keith & Julie Williams Marquitta WilliamsPowell Erin Willis

Sarah Wirthlin Andrea Wolfe Stacey Woodrome Jody Woodward Marisa & Kevin Yoder Jody S. Young Bio Tab Clean Tech Company Husch Blackwell Keeley Companies Koller Enterprises, Inc. Melvin F. Brown Trust Waterway

Acknowledgments

A very special thank you to our 2021-2022 Season Sponsors!

2022-2023

Mainstage Season

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THE CURTAIN

The GCPA Founders and Core Staff traditionally reveal the summer productions through special performances of selections from the shows! It's always one of the most anticipated events of the night with many surprises In store!

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