The wonderful focus of this artistic portrayal of friendship and loyalty centered upon the meaning of home. It delivered the message that being surrounded by one's friends is what makes a home and subsequently, a holiday. In a time when many children are focused on what presents they may receive as their primary interest in Christmas, it was great to watch my kids remain captivated by this performance throughout the show.
Through scenes filled with comedic antics, heartfelt woe, self doubt, and self confidence, you are drawn into this musical's tale. The cast was spot on with their delivery and the children found the interludes of shenanigans to be very entertaining amongst the character's adventures as they explored the meaning of home and friendship.
At each performance, a free photo station and coloring tables are available before the show along with a post-play discussion with the cast. When you attend, make certain to set aside the time to stay for the post-play discussion with the cast. Hearing the children's questions from the audience and the cast's polished responses delivered with such a friendly demeanor was a priceless addition to the evening for the children and proved enjoyable for us all.
Commissioned and developed by Two River Theater under the leadership of Artistic Director John Dias and Managing Director Michael Hurst, this new musical inspired by Kenneth Grahame’s children’s classic follows the adventures of the story’s beloved characters—Mole, the Water Rat, Dr. Badger, and Mr. Toad—as they discover that home is where your friends are. Performances will continue in Two River’s Rechnitz Theater, 21 Bridge Avenue, through Sunday, December 30.
Performance Schedule:
Wednesday, December 19 at 10am and 7pm
Thursday, December 20 at 7pm
Friday, December 21 at 7pm
Saturday, December 22 at 12pm and 7 pm
Sunday, December 23 at 12pm and 4pm
Wednesday, December 26 at 12pm
Thursday, December 27 at 12pm (Scout Day)
Friday, December 28 at 12pm (Scout Day) and 7pm
Saturday, December 29 at 12pm and 7pm
Sunday, December 30 at 12pm and 4pm
A Wind in the Willows Christmas is recommended for ages 5 and up and run time is approximately two hours. Macaroni Kid Lincroft-Holmdel-Tinton Falls subscribers, use discount code MACKID to receive 10% off your tickets to the show. Tickets are available by calling 732-345-1400 or online at this link. Tickets are $25 for patrons under age 18; ticket prices for adults are $50-$55. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
The company of A Wind in the Willows Christmas includes Farah Alvin (The Marvelous Wonderettes, Nine) as Mrs. Otter; Tituss Burgess (The Little Mermaid, 30 Rock) as Mr. Toad; Nick Choksi (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 at Ars Nova) as Rat; Kathy Connolly (A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey) as Weasel/Rabbit; Tom Deckman (Monty Python’s Spamalot) as Mole; John Garry (Bunnicula for Theatreworks/USA) as Weasel/Rabbit; John Jellison (Memphis and Sunday in the Park with George) as Dr. Badger; and Dana Steingold (national tour of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) as Little Portly.
Below are photographs from the show (taken by T. Charles Erickson) and a video montage clip, too:
Nick Choksi as the Water Rat, at left, and Tom Deckman as Mole 
From left: Tom Deckman as Mole, Tituss Burgess as Mr. Toad, and Nick Choksi as the Water Rat
John Garry and Kathy Connolly as the Weasels
