MATERIALS INCLUDE
1. BOOK
A Frog Named Sam: A Musical for Children - Book written by Augusta Supple
2. SOUNDTRACK CD
Includes Ben Rudnick and Friends versions of the songs included in the musical
3. SHOW TRACKS CD
Includes sing-along, instrumental versions of the songs included in the musical
4. TRANSCRIPTIONS
Piano/Vocal/Guitar transcriptions of the songs included in the musical (see sample)
INTENDED AUDIENCE
The intended audience is families with young children 3-10. The play is written to be adult and children friendly. Really. We’re not just saying that.
INTENDED PERFORMERS
Children, young adults or adults. The musical has six characters but one player can take on multiple roles, allowing it to be performed with four people. The musical also calls for a chorus the size of which may vary.
LISTEN TO THE SOUNDTRACK CD
If you’re interested in staging the musical, we’d love to hear from you!
Please contact Ben by email at ben@benrudnick.com or by phone at 781-643-5137.
SYNOPSIS
Sam is a rock star frog (a rock frog) who has been on a ‘round the world tour. Sam comes home incredibly tired and grumpy to find that his beloved pond is in disrepair. Just at that moment, Tripp, an alien, crash lands in the pond, which makes Sam even grumpier.
Ultimately Tripp offers to take Sam on a trip through the galaxy to learn how to repair his pond. They visit several planets:
The Planet of Shhhhhh
(inhabited by Librarians) to do research on how to repair the pond
The Planet of the Slow Moving Horse
(the Cowboy planet where everything is color coordinated)
so they can think about what they’ve learned
The Planet of Zoom
(the race car planet with Danica Freeheart) to learn how to get things done.
Messages that are woven into the story:
- Taking care of the environment is a responsibility and a worthwhile endeavor
- Friends help each other
- You can be many different things all at once
- You can sometimes be grumpy and people will still like you
- Females are strong, smart and good race car drivers
- It takes a community to get things done
- Learning and education are worthwhile and beneficial
- Accomplishing goals takes time and effort
- Macaroni and Cheese is eaten everywhere!
SOUNDTRACK ACCOLADES
A Frog Named Sam: A Musical for Children (Soundtrack) was released on January 22, 2016. Reviews have been excellent including:
"A Frog Named Sam: A Musical for Children is a listening delight for young people ages 4-8, highly recommended!”
— Midwest Book Review December 2015
"Together with the record’s overall musical and lyrical content… (the album is not only)... an enjoyable ride through the musical universe but also one of 2016’s most intriguing children’s recordings.”
— Phil's Picks
"The music in this album is out of this world fantastic. Leaping leapfrogs what a winner!"
— Storywraps
"The band’s sound is pure Americana, harkening back to Fourth of July boardwalk entertainment and county fairs. There's a summer feel. And with a genuine alien character, A FROG NAMED SAM is literally out of this world."
— Jeffrey Cohen (Mr. Jeff2000)
