In much the same way that falling into the river humbles Mole when Mole erroneously tries to row before he knows how, the river is a calming, humbling force that encourages Toad to be gracious and mature. While Toad’s love of cars symbolizes his impulsiveness and immaturity, it’s an unexpected dip in the river that helps Toad decide that it’s time to change his ways and give up cars forever. The river also helps Toad decide to essentially grow up, stop being conceited and selfish, and assume his role as the gentleman of Toad Hall. Life on the river provides him freedom and independence that, he suggests, he never could’ve enjoyed had he stayed in his underground home. But in the end, Mole emerges from his first summer on the river a more mature, “emancipated” animal who is fulfilled by his new above-ground life. Through a series of workshops, our YoungPart® musicals are tailor-made for younger actors. It proves a harsh teacher at times, as when Mole first snatches the oars from Rat so he can try rowing himself and ends up capsizing the boat. THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS YoungPart® is the authorized 60 minute edition of the West End musical for elementary and middle schools, and youth theatres. With Rat’s guidance, Mole learns to swim, row, and safely navigate the river. Finding the river also introduces him to the riverbank-dwelling Rat (who quickly becomes his friend, mentor, and roommate), and their time on the river empowers him to learn new things and decide what he wants his life to look like. Mole has never seen a river in his life, and it opens up a whole new world for him.

Readers first meet Mole as Mole is spring-cleaning his underground home-but Mole suddenly throws down his cleaning supplies, leaves his home, and in his wanderings, encounters the river. Early in the novel, it’s the catalyst for young Mole’s coming-of-age. The river symbolizes growing up, freedom, and independence.

The open road wind in the willows