In Quintessence’s first foray into family entertainment, we bring to the stage Kenneth Grahame’s THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, the delightful story of Toad, Mole, Rat, and Badger and their woodland escapades. Mole is fed up with spring-cleaning and wants to see the world. He meets the water-loving Rat and the pair immediately strike up one of English literature’s most enduring friendships. Meanwhile, Toad’s latest fancy has landed him in hot water with the law, and Badger just wants to be left alone. Battle the nefarious weasels, mess about in boats, and charm the washerwoman’s daughter as you make your way into the English countryside. Whether you travel by car, train, or boat, don’t miss this holiday adventure in the epic Quintessence style. This masterful adaptation by Alan Bennett, the author of People, History Boys, and The Madness of King George, with music and lyrics by Jeremy Sams is sure to thrill children of all ages, and provide a new family opportunity for holiday theatregoing.
Following his celebrated performance as Poprishchin in last season’s The Diary of a Madman and George Hastings in She Stoops to Conquer Quintessence ensemble member DANIEL FREDRICK leads the cast as Rat. Returning from his Arena Stage debut in the world premiere of Charles Randolph-Wright’s Love in Afghanistan, KHRIS DAVIS is Toad. And Quintessence favorite SEAN CLOSE returns as Mole. They will be joined by Quintessence regulars JOSH CARPENTER as the Chief Weasel, SEAN BRADLEY as Albert the horse, and JAMISON FOREMAN as Otter (Treplev in The Seagull). Quintessence is also excited to welcome back JAKE BLOUCH as Badger (Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest) and JOHNNY SMITH as the Magistrate (Llewellyn in Henry V). They will be joined by LEE MINORA as the Gaoler’s Daughter, BRENDAN NORTON and CRAIG PATRICK O’BRIEN, all making their Quintessence debuts.
The production includes lighting by DAVID SEXTON, costumes by JANE CASANAVE, fight direction by IAN ROSE, music direction by JAMISON FOREMAN and dialect coaching by HAZEL BOWERS.
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS plays December 11 – January 5.
The performance time is estimated at 2 hours and 30 minutes.