For Immediate Release: January 12, 2005
Media Contact: Jayme Powers, Arden Theatre Company, 215.922.8900 x22

Arden Theatre Company announces record-breaking attendance and ticket sales revenue generated by its current production of A Year with Frog and Toad. So far, more than 25,000 patrons have seen this delightful musical that has been charming family audiences since early December and has been extended through Sunday, January 30 for an unprecedented 75-performance run. This smash hit has broken all ticket sales revenue records in the history of the theatre – and tickets are still available. Rounding out the top five Arden best sellers are three plays from the Arden's subscription series and one other Arden Children's Theatre show. They are: Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Underpants, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, and Proof.

"Let's do Frog and Toad every year," says Arden's Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen. "It's incredible that Frog and Toad is now the top-selling show in the Arden's 17 year history – especially given the fact that ticket prices for our children's theatre productions are less expensive than our subscription series plays AND we make several thousand tickets available for free to kids who otherwise could not come." More than 3,000 tickets were given away through the Arden for All program this season. "There is nothing better than watching a performance filled with kids who are laughing and clapping and totally caught up in the play. I'm thrilled that so many people have seen this wonderful show."

Directed by Whit MacLaughlin, A Year with Frog and Toad lovingly captures the spirit of Arnold Lobel's whimsical stories as the cheerful Frog and the grumpy Toad travel together through an adventure-filled year learning life lessons along the way. Nominated for three Tony Awards including Best Musical, A Year with Frog and Toad features Jeffrey Coon (The Underpants) and Ben Dibble (Batboy) as Frog and Toad. In keeping with Arden Children's Theatre tradition, all performances are followed by a post-show discussion and an opportunity for children to meet the cast.

Ticket prices range from $12 to $28 (children 12 and under $12-$14; teens $15-$18; adults $24-$28) and may be purchased by calling the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122 or ordered online at www.ardentheatre.org.

WHERE:
Arden Theatre Company
40 N. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

WHEN:
Extended Through January 30, 2005

WHO:
Scenic Design by Donald Eastman
Musical Direction by Charles Gilbert
Costume Design by Richard St. Clair
Lighting Design by Troy A. Martin O'Shia
Sound Design by Jorge Cousineau
Choreography by Lee Ann Etzold
Stage Management by John David Flak

Cast:
Jeffrey Coon as Frog
Ben Dibble as Toad
Keara Hailey as Mouse/Ensemble
Maggie Lakis as Bird/Ensemble
Joshua Lamon as Snail/Ensemble

A Year with Frog and Toad was originally presented on Broadway by Bob Boyett, Adrianne Lobel, Michael Gardner, Lawrence Horowitz and Roy Furman. World Premiere at The Children's Theatre Company, Minneapolis, MN.

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