A Year With Frog and Toad

A Year With Frog and Toad
Music by Robert Reale. Book and Lyrics by Willie Reale, based on the books by Arnold Lobel. Mind the Change Inc. Directed by Althea Gordon. Mercy Place, Mandurah, WA. Sep 19-29, 2019

A Year With Frog and Toad was an initiative by Mind the Change Inc. This situational theatre project placed a production of A Year With Frog and Toad TYA Version, inside Mercy Place, an Aged Care Facility in Mandurah, WA. As well as rehearsing and performing in the venue, a key aspect of this production included working with the residents for many months, involving them not only in working on production aspects such as scenery painting, but forming the ensemble for the production.

Mind the Change Inc. is a non-for-profit association that provides theatre-based self-development workshops, involving people living with dementia and their support network. Their workshops give people an opportunity for sensory engagement, positive interaction and help to overcome isolation. Utilising drama techniques and laughter therapy they support the well-being of those living with memory loss. This is the first known production of this scale in Australia and was presented with the support of Act, Belong Commit, Mentally Healthy WA.

The show was presented promenade style, over six locations throughout Mercy Place, bringing a sense of camaraderie and adventure as the audience travelled with the show. Sound quality was excellent, carried by Snail in his “shell’, as part of an excellent performance by Lincoln Tapping. Lincoln also was responsible for leading the parade of audience through the building.

The title roles were expertly played by Matthew Lister (Frog) and Daniel Burton (Toad), who had a wonderful rapport, sang beautifully and embodied the roles with flair. Strong support came from Samantha Ferguson, Rp van der Westhuizen and Mackenzie Coombe, in a variety of delightful roles, and a very sweet Amelia Newman who was a lovely Mouse and Young Frog. Audiences at other performances may have seen Paige Peles (helping out with the ensemble at the performance I viewed) rather than Amelia. Singing was strong, under the guidance of Musical Director Megan McDonald.

Star status though belongs to the residents, Kingsley, who penned a poem for the program and provided production support, performers at the final performance Maureen, Sylvia, Jeanette and Violet, as well as the many who participated in workshops and preparation. Particularly memorable were the Underwater and Snow Ballets, created by choreographer Paige Gordon.

The passion project of director Althea Gordon, AYear With Frog and Toad was a wonderful example of community involvement, celebration of living and a joy to experience. Congratulations to Althea and all involved.

Kimberley Shaw

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