To call A Year with Frog and Toad sweet-natured, charming, simple and satisfying is, for some, to damn it with faint praise. Indeed, most critics have called the show delightful - for children's theater - and added the caveat that top tickets run a galling $91. I'm afraid I can't disagree with that assessment, much as the show truly won me over. If Frog and Toad were at TheaterWorks USA or Playwrights Horizons, we'd all probably sing its praises to the stars, but because it's on Broadway in 2003, there's a sense that it may not be "enough," however fine it is for family audiences.
I do object to the show's volume - not that it's terribly loud, but it does have that over-miked sound Broadway is all too prone to. What I certainly don't object to is the show's central friendship, between calm and resourceful Frog (the fine and resourceful Jay Goede) his nebbishy, neurotic but loyal pal, Toad (Mark Linn-Baker, doing his usual thing but doing it quite well). The show comprises several playlets about their adventures, almost all of which avoid simple homilies or any need to moralize (though a first-act bit wherein Toad joins Frog when he wants to be "Alone" will put more lumps in the throats of adults than kids, especially since it vaguely echoes Kermit's "Bein' Green"). In all, thanks to enjoyable scenery and a nifty supporting cast, an afternoon with Frog And Toad is one well spent, no matter what your age, but somewhat dependent on your budget.
