‘Year with Frog and Toad’ to showcase triumphs and trials of true friendship

McNeese State University Theatre returns this season with “A Year with Frog and Toad” Sept. 25-29. Based on the award-winning children’s books, the primarily adult cast will showcase the triumphs and trials of true friendship.

“It’s like ‘Shrek’,” Charles McNeely, theater director, said. “It’s for kids, but adults can get something out of it.”

Over four seasons, audience members will be presented with a “wonderful statement about friendship and also learn what we do when our friends are in need or in danger.”

Bacot Wright, guest director, set the show in a Louisiana swamp, complete with authentic creatures and characters.

“We’ll have nutria instead of squirrels (and) gators in place of other animals,” McNeely said. “Even a zydeco band on stage performing as part of the show to really get that Louisiana feel across.”

McNeese senior Himshree Neupane will present her capstone project Nov. 25-26. Neupane will direct a one-act play set in India about mysterious women who rescue other women from dire circumstances.

“It’s a tale of female empowerment and an opportunity for Neupane to really showcase what she’s learned in her time here,” McNeely said.

McNeese Theatre returns in early 2020 with “The Shape of Things” Feb. 12-16. The modern drama, rated for mature audiences 16 and older, explores “relationships and the limitations and boundaries of art,” McNeely said.

The show will feature Michelle Brunson, McNeese’s new theater instructor and technical director. Audience members are in for a “profound and disturbing twist” as they watch the show’s plot unfold, McNeely said.

The season will end with “The Laramie Project” March 25-29. Based on the true story of a young man beaten to death in Wyoming because of his sexuality, the play uses 60 interviews with Wyoming community members during the time of violence. Joseph Frazier-Cole is the guest director.

“This is easily one of the finest American plays of the 20th century,” McNeely said. “It’s a powerful and profound work of theatrical art that, hopefully, at the end gives hope.”

“A Year with Frog and Toad” will be performed in the Tritico Theatre. Neupane’s capstone, “The Shape of Things” and “The Laramie Project” will be performed in the newly-renovated Squires Hall in the Shearman Fine Arts Center.

Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors, teachers, faculty, staff and students with identification from other institutions. McNeese students get in free.

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For more, visit mcneese.edu/performingartsboxoffice.