Company of Fools

Emily Dickinson once wrote "I dwell in possibility." We here at Company of Fools work side-by-side with the man who is the manifestation of that phrase - Mr. R.L. Rowsey. It is his birthday today – his 50th. Thank you R.L. for giving us ALL the gift of possibilities – dreamed and realized. May this day be filled with - wonder.

It is not the “stuff” of the holidays that warms our hearts – it is the simple act of sharing our hearts with those we love. Come snuggle in the warmth of Frog & Toad’s friendship tonight at 7PM. It is our PAY WHAT YOU FEEL NIGHT – come pay whatever you like, find a seat and enjoy the evening. Tickets will go on sale at the Liberty Theatre Box Office at 6PM, doors open at 6:30PM and the show starts at 7PM! See you at the theatre.

I sent out a press release a few weeks ago and in it I had written “…and Cliff TOAD plays Frog.” Well - that was incorrect. Actually Cliff TODD plays Frog – not even CLOSE to Toad. Which leads me to this – what’s the difference between a Frog and a Toad?

1. Frogs have powerful legs and webbed feet perfect for jumping and swimming. Toads have shorter legs that are better for walking and hopping on land. I have never seen Cliff swim BUT he did a marvelous job falling down a flight of stairs during Noises Off. I’ve never seen a TOAD do that.
2. Most frogs have teeth in their upper jaws and most toads don’t have any teeth at all. I know Cliff has teeth because I’ve seen him eat a lot of amazing baked goods that his wife, Michelle Carter, (also an actor but NOT a toad) creates. He did NOT gum them.
3. Frogs are most at home in water and toads on land. Again – I’ve never seen Cliff in the water BUT he has made Hailey his home-away-from-home three times now. Although Hailey is not on or surrounding water it does have a great deal of SNOW at times and that qualifies for water. Albeit - frozen.

So in closing - Cliff is going to make a wonderful Frog to Andrew’s Toad. Why?

1. Cliff is an amazing actor. Whether he is playing stoic File in 110 in the Shade, sweet Buddy in Welcome Home Jenny Sutter or high strung Gary in Noises Off – Cliff makes it seems like a seamless breaststroke. Kinda frog-like.
2. Cliff is patient and kind. Everyone who works with Cliff or is lucky enough to call him friend – loves Cliff. Kinda how Frog is with Toad – patient and kind.
3. Cliff loves sweets. Frog and Toad love cookies. They eat many during A Year with Frog and Toad – so that’s great casting.

I know we will all love Cliff’s Frog. Because Cliff is Frog - Not Toad - But Todd. Cliff Todd is Frog. And that should make us all really …. (I have to) …. HOPPY.