-- The Wind in the Willows, written by playwright Liz Peterson, continues to inspire schools, theater groups, and local performers with its engaging musical adaptation of the classic English tale. This stage production has been performed in 28 U.S. states and three foreign countries, celebrated for its flexible casting, lighthearted storytelling, and suitability for diverse communities and age groups.
“Each production is an opportunity for individuals to connect through music and performance, contributing their time and energy to something collaborative,” said Liz Peterson, creator of The Wind in the Willows. “It doesn’t require previous acting experience—just enthusiasm and teamwork.”
Adapted from Kenneth Grahame’s beloved novel, the musical captures the spirited adventures of Mr. Toad and his countryside companions while exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and growth. The production is structured for flexibility, with options for a full-length (90-minute) performance or a 45-minute concert version suitable for smaller casts. With available choices including a piano/vocal score, synthesizer accompaniment CD, and orchestrations appropriate for high school musicians, the musical is easily adaptable for schools and community theaters nationwide. Its characters—each distinct in personality—lend themselves well to casting across a wide range of student and community ensembles.
One of the production’s most praised features is its adaptability to different group sizes and experience levels. Directors have staged the show with casts as small as eight and as large as sixty. The animal roles allow for all-female, all-male, or mixed casts. This makes The Wind in the Willows one of the most accessible musicals for community theaters, school programs, and emerging performers.
Recognized for its wholesome content and charming score, The Wind in the Willows is often listed among the most successful musicals for the whole family. Since the story appeals to both adults and children, its adaptable production requirements make it particularly suitable for educational settings. It continues to grow in popularity as one of the top musicals for high schools, offering the perfect mix of humor, heart, and simplicity for student performers and directors.
Liz Peterson has also written two additional musicals. Grandpa Ben, a children’s musical about Benjamin Franklin as a grandfather, was produced once in Philadelphia. Three Men in a Boat, a slapstick comedy based on the English classic novel by Jerome K. Jerome, has been produced twice by a community theater in Philadelphia, once as a readers’ theater production and later as a full production with a different cast. However, The Wind in the Willows remains her most widely produced and celebrated work.
About Us: The Wind in the Willows is a musical created for schools and community groups that value accessibility, collaboration, and joyful performance experiences. It provides a complete theatrical package for organizations seeking a flexible, age-appropriate show that encourages participation across all ages and ability levels.
Contact Info:
Name: Liz Peterson
Email: Send Email
Organization: Wind In the Willows
Address: 1100 Pembridge Drive, Apartment 229 Lake Forest, Illinois, 60045, USA
Phone: 847-401-2276
Website: https://www.petersonwindinthewillows.com/
Release ID: 89165926
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