Composer Mark Evitts Interview: Scoring ‘Frog and Toad’ for Apple TV+

Frog and Toad, the beloved characters from the 1970s, continue to capture the hearts of children and parents today through Apple TV+’s enchanting series. Mark Evitts, the composer behind the music of Frog and Toad, collaborates with an extraordinary voice cast to bring the songs to life.

Evitts shares that he draws inspiration from his musical roots in Kentucky, infusing jazz, Dixieland, and bluegrass elements into his work. He tailored songs to fit each actor’s unique vocal style, focusing on their cadence and tonality.

A standout moment for Evitts was the duet between Richardson and Faxon on “Keeper’s Song,” originally conceived as a fiddle tune. The show’s jovial atmosphere and the unbreakable bond between Frog and Toad provided the perfect backdrop for his music.

Throughout the series, Evitts took cues from the lush wooded landscapes depicted in the animation. Using wooden organic instruments, he aimed to complement the visuals and create a captivating experience for viewers. Evitts explains how specific scenes, like the camping montage in “Night Calls,” inspired his musical choices, switching from casual campfire tunes to sophisticated dinner ambiance as the story unfolded on screen.

Working closely with the talented voice actors like Tom Kenny, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Ron Funches, Evitts tailored his songwriting to suit their voices. By observing their vocal nuances and selecting keys that fit their range, he crafted songs that reflected the essence of each character.

The collaborative effort behind Frog and Toad reflects the show’s core message of unity and diversity coming together to create something beautiful. As the series vies for Children and Family Emmys recognition, Evitts emphasizes that the honor would be a testament to the collective efforts of the entire team, echoing the spirit of Frog and Toad’s enduring friendship.