-- The Wind in the Willows, a stage musical by playwright Liz Peterson, has expanded its offerings with updated support materials that make the show easy to stage in various settings. With options including a piano/vocal score, a full orchestration, and a synthesizer CD with sound effects, the production is tailored to suit a wide range of performance needs. These upgrades reaffirm the show's reputation as one of the most accessible and enduring musical theater productions for schools and community theaters nationwide.
“Our goal is to give directors the tools they need to create something magical, without overcomplicating the process,” said Liz Peterson. “These materials make it easier for schools and community groups to focus on storytelling and performance.”
Based on Kenneth Grahame’s beloved novel, the musical follows the adventures of Mr. Toad and his animal friends as they navigate themes of friendship, growth, and loyalty. The script is available in two different formats to fit varying production scales. A concert version can be performed in just 45 minutes with a minimum of eight cast members, while the full-length show runs about 90 minutes and can accommodate sixty or more. This makes it especially attractive for directors seeking musical theater productions for middle school that are fun, manageable, and rich in content.
The show’s clear structure, charming humor, and engaging ensemble work have made it a favorite for both first-time performers and experienced students. Educators appreciate its ability to support classroom goals, such as creative collaboration and confidence-building. Community theater groups, meanwhile, praise the show for its clarity and accessibility, especially when working with mixed-age casts and limited rehearsal time.
The musical has already been performed in 28 U.S. states and three foreign countries, and it continues to earn acclaim for its inclusive tone and low production barriers. As one of the most widely used musical theater shows for educational and community use, The Wind in the Willows has become a trusted choice for both seasonal programming and student showcases.
In addition to The Wind in the Willows, Liz Peterson has created two other musicals with more specific audiences in mind. Grandpa Ben is a historically themed children’s piece centered on Benjamin Franklin, produced once by a youth group in Philadelphia. Three Men in a Boat is a fast-paced, slapstick adaptation of the classic English novel by Jerome K. Jerome, and it has been performed in two separate community theater productions in Philadelphia. While both plays offer unique appeal, it is The Wind in the Willows that continues to resonate most broadly with directors and performers alike.
About Us: The Wind in the Willows is a flexible musical explicitly developed for schools and local theater groups. With new support materials and a strong record of successful productions, it continues to provide dependable options for groups seeking joyful, story-driven musical theater experiences.
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: 89165922
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