The Chilliwack School of Performing Arts presents A Year With Frog and Toad, a song-filled year in the life of two woodland friends.

The Tony-nominated family musical is based on the series of children's books by Arnold Lobel, with book and lyrics by Willie Reale and music by Robert Reale.

Nominated for three Tony Awards in 2003, including Best Musical, A Year With Frog and Toad follows two best friends, Frog and Toad, as they awaken from hibernation and embark on adventures together from planting a garden to flying kites, swimming in a pond, sledding down a hill, or just settling down together with a warm bowl of soup.

The original books by Arnold Lobel won both the Caldecott and Newbery Awards. The musical version was commissioned by his daughter, Adrianne Lobel, and broke new ground by bringing professional children's theatre to Broadway.

Frog and Toad will be played respectively by CSOPA veterans Jacklyn Kirsch and Brittany Clough. The Birds will be played by Caylen Braun, newcomers Kessia Warren and Raven Regino, as well as Carmen Sigurdson and Olivia Simpson (who played Jojo in last year's production of Seussical). Hannah deNevers is Turtle, while Meghan Mindel will take on Mouse and Maxwell Glover the Lizard. Father Frog and Mother Frog are played, respectively, by Jonathan Woyke and Katy Fairley. Hyacinthe Lithgow is the Young Frog while Brandon Grove will play the Large and Terrible Frog. Rounding out the rest of the cast, the Moles and the Squirrels are played by Sebastian WarkentinScott, Dominique Ward, Avianna Clempson, Tyler Kettle, Sarah Isaak, Kathryn Harder, Jessica Westeringh and Jordan Orto. Lastly, bringing up the rear, is Snail to be played by Will Hutchinson (seen last year as Horton the Elephant in Seussical).

Andrew Smith is the director, Christopher King is the musical director and Shelley Wojcik is the choreographer. Set is by Kate Whyte, costumes are by Heather Westergard and lights are by Jamea Lister.

- A Year With Frog and Toad opens on Jan. 13 and runs until Jan. 22. Evening performances at 7: 30 p.m. are on Jan. 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21. Matinee performances at 2 p.m. are on Jan. 14, 15, 21 and 22. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and $9.75 for all seats on Jan. 12 (evening), 14 (matineé) and 19 (evening). There is also a by-donation preview Jan. 11 (available only at door). Tickets can be purchased by calling the cultural centre box office at 604-391-SHOW (7469).