‘Frog and Toad’ Audience Is In for Bumpy Ride : Arnold Lobel’s whimsical book has been smoothly adapted, but the Serendipity Theatre Company’s cast seems to be playing in front of the set, instead of in it.

LOS ANGELES —  Frog, Lizard and Field Mouse are planning a surprise birthday party for their friend, Toad. But that unhappy amphibian, made aware by his friends’ laughter that he looks like “a large, lumpy, foolish toad” in his swimsuit, goes off alone to sulk.

“Frog and Toad,” Arnold Lobel’s whimsical children’s book, has been smoothly adapted for stage by Belinda Acosta, but the Serendipity Theatre Company’s uneven production at the Coronet Theatre makes it a bumpy ride.

Problems abound. The woodsy set design by Leona Sadobee is fine, but Toad’s house is devoid of charm. Makeup is bland, and so are costumes by Cheniele Taylor--street clothes and spandex that barely suggest each actor’s animal/reptile character. As Toad, Dana Craig’s blow-dried, styled hair looks decidedly out of place.

Under Jody Johnston Davidson’s direction, meanwhile, the cast seems to be playing in front of the set, instead of in it. Nor do the actors connect as an ensemble.

When Jeremy Scott as Lizard tries to work up some comic energy, or Katy Henk uses exaggerated rodent mannerisms as Field Mouse, they might as well be working to a mirror. Dana Craig’s Toad and Michael C. Miller’s Frog have gentle moments as best friends but don’t project much personality; nor does Lyndie Robbins as Snail.

Although this is a professional production, the result is as if some well-meaning moms and dads had gotten together, with more will than skill, to put on a show.

This is the third offering for the new Serendipity Theatre Company, founded by Jody Davidson and her husband, Scott, who last year left the Laguna Playhouse, where she was general manager and he was artistic director of the playhouse’s Youth Theatre.

After an entertaining if uneven start with their first show, “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” the Davidsons’ second production was a heartfelt, well-staged version of Tomi DePaola’s “Merry Christmas, Strega Nona.” This lesser offering is an unexpected disappointment.

“Frog and Toad” continues through Feb. 10 at the Coronet Theatre, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. Performances Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 and 4 p.m. For ages 3 and up. Running Time: 1 hour. Tickets: $10 adults; $6 children 13 and under. Information: (213) 652-9199.