The Wind in the Willows
Adaptation, music and new lyrics by Douglas Post. Based on the book by Kenneth Grahame.
Product Code: W05000
Musical
Comedy
Cast size: 8m., 5w., extras.
Limited Streaming Rights Available
Rights and availability
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Synopsis
In the words of the Chicago Sun-Times critic, this show is "one of the wisest and most delightful productions to grace a Chicago stage this season … Douglas Post has crafted a poetic, deeply intelligent, and hilariously funny script with lyrics to match. He has also composed a magical and eclectic score that runs the gamut from haunting English ballads and rippling reggae to tongue-in-cheek punk and lilting Latin congas." Produced at over 200 theaters across the country, this musical tells the story of the friendship of the good-hearted Water Rat, the shy and curious Mole, and the sensible Badger. What tests that friendship are the antics of Mr. Toad, a wily and impulsive animal given to sudden crazes such as stealing motor cars and driving them recklessly around the countryside. Their task is to save Toad from himself and then rescue the magnificent Toad Hall from the devious weasels, ferrets and stoats.
Notes
Limited Streaming Rights Available
Details
- Status In stock
- Type of Show Musical
- Product Code W05000
- Minimum Cast Size 13
- Pages of Dialogue 80
- Min. Royalty Rate $90.00/perf
- Approx. Run Time 105 min
- Staging Simple sets.
Categories
- Target Audience Young Audiences | Middle School | High School | College and Adult | Family (all ages) | Senior Adults
- Performing Group Middle School | High School | College Theatre | Community Theatre | Professional Theatre | TYA | Senior Theatre | Touring Group | Dinner Theatre
- Genre Comedy
- ISBN(13) 9780871291721
Customer Reviews
The Wind in the Willows turned out to be a delightful production that the kids had a lot of fun doing, and the audience was charmed.
The music was very singable for young voicesÑand people walked off humming the melodies. Because most of the creatures were animals, I felt free to do gender-blind casting for many animals, which worked very well. It was a highly enjoyable family show, seen by many children, performed on request for our entire middle school.
The play is a musical version of the classic story by Kenneth Grahame. The adaptation is excellent and the music is some of the best I've seen in a musical. Really! Every song is good and there is so much creative potential.
This show was the very first musical ever put on at Walton-Verona High School and it was a huge hit! The students loved the music, and the story was light and fun for audience members of all ages. The Wind in the Willows offered very appropriate challenges in all areas (acting, stage and prop design, music) for my students who have a very wide range of theater experiences. It was fun to prepare and a joy to perform.
Kenneth Grahame's writing is beautiful and timeless. Our cast of 9- to 15-year-olds had fun speaking in British accents and learning about the English countryside. Doug Post's adaptation takes the audience through all the well-remembered adventures of Mr. Toad, Ratty and Mole. The music was interesting and had diverse styles. Our audiences loved it!
We love this play. This is the third time we have produced it, and it never fails to provide a challenge to our actors and a delightful afternoon for our audiences.
Media Reviews
"A charming original score by Douglas Post whose songs warm the heart while neatly prodding the intellect." -Chicago Tribune"A song-dream for audiences of any age … Post is not afraid to blend overt, raffish comedy with quiet reflection, even a sense of spirituality." -Chicago Reader
"Douglas Post's music and lyrics will go a long way toward reconciling us to rodents … the music ranges from sweetly melodic to snappy… the title theme is lovely." -The New York Times
"The delicacy of a porcelain tea cup and the fine detail of lace." -Chicago Sun-Times
Production Map
| Location | City | State | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lindsey Wilson College | Columbia | KY | 07/18/2025 | 07/20/2025 |
Gallery
The Wind in the Willows - City Lit Theater, Chicago, IL
Wind in the Willows - Theatre in the Park, Charleston, IL
The Wind in the Willows - Oakland University, Rochester, MI
The Wind in the Willows - Peanut Butter Players, Lafayette, CO
Also By These Authors
Jim Thomas, West Irondequoit Middle School, Rochester, NY