“The Adventures of Mr. Toad” at KMC Onstage Studio, Daenner Kaserne, Germany (A1C Kyle Kostner)
Head to the KMC Onstage Studio (Bldg. 3109) on Daenner Kaserne for a great family-friendly musical performance of “The Adventures of Mr. Toad.” This show is perfectly timed for Month of the Military Child.
Directed by Naythen B. Rinehart, the show is the culmination of the KMC Onstage spring youth performance classes. The story brings Kenneth Grahame’s popular classic children’s book “The Wind in the Willows” on stage.
There is never a dull moment in this musical. Mischievous Mr. Toad (Lauren Meade) is constantly up to fast-paced shenanigans, which primarily involve driving and crashing cars. Meade commands the stage and brings life to this eccentric character.
“The Adventures of Mr. Toad” at KMC Onstage Studio, Daenner Kaserne, Germany (A1C Kyle Kostner)
As a full youth performance, the excitement of this musical is palpable. From debut performances, to lead roles, the camaraderie is apparent as the cast and crew work together to bring this funny story to life. Each castmate truly owned their character and some people played more than one role.
There is plenty of action as well. Toad and his friends, Rat, Mole and Badger must fight off the local ruffian band of Weasels. In addition to that, set changes are fast and fun with the snappy music and singing. Every kid (and kid at heart) who has enjoyed Grahame’s book will notice the up-tempo pacing, which helpfully brings the story of Mr. Toad into the modern performance style while retaining the timeless joy and childish humor.
“The Adventures of Mr. Toad” at KMC Onstage Studio, Daenner Kaserne, Germany (A1C Kyle Kostner)
The costumes harken back to the British styles of the Edwardian era while keeping true to the animal characters. Sets and props place us solidly in the countryside. Especially enjoyable is the tree that rotates to signify the changing of the seasons. The various cars are also creatively crafted and pleasantly ‘old-timey.’
As Mr. Toad gets up to more antics, his friends try to calm him down. Mole (Nadia Gonazales) was so adorable that we could only hope that she was not dragged into Toad’s foolishness, but, alas, no one is spared.
“The Adventures of Mr. Toad” at KMC Onstage Studio, Daenner Kaserne, Germany (A1C Kyle Kostner)
Toad steals a police car, crashes it and is then so charming that one of the cops almost lets him go. As he is being carted off, Mr. Toad hysterically screams, “You can’t have my car or any of the other ones. I have already crashed them!” While Mr. Toad is in jail, the vicious weasels take over his home and wreak havoc. There is a trial. Justice is served. Friendship saves the day.
This show is highly recommended for families who want to take their kids out to laugh along with this funny and dramatic performance. Get to the theater early to purchase some delicious homemade snacks ahead of time. The Studio space allows for a fun and interesting multi-level stage. Seats in the middle row, off to one side, have great views.
Purchase tickets ahead of time online at Webtrac.
Performance Dates:
April 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7 p.m.
April 7 and 14 at 2 p.m.
“The Adventures of Mr. Toad” at KMC Onstage Studio, Daenner Kaserne, Germany (A1C Kyle Kostner)
