A New Children's Musical
The Wind in the Wildflowers
By Grace Ward and Elke Myers
The Wind in the Wildflowers is a whimsical, fiddle-filled adaptation of The Wind in the Willows, reimagined with an Idahoan twist. Set along the rushing rivers and wildflower-lined meadows of Idaho, this heartwarming musical follows three unlikely friends—shy and sensitive Mole, bold and adventurous Ratty, and the extravagant, thrill-seeking Toad. While Mole prefers the quiet comforts of home, Ratty is always chasing adventure, and Toad is consumed by her latest obsession—automobiles. Whether racing downriver or zooming through the countryside, Toad's reckless ways soon attract the attention of the cunning Weasels of the Wood, leading to trouble. As Toad gets caught in the Weasels' schemes, it's up to Mole and Ratty to set things right. With Idaho’s wilderness as their backdrop, the friends must outsmart the Weasels, rescue Toad, and restore harmony to their home. Along the way, Mole learns that bravery isn’t always about grand adventures—it can also mean standing up for the ones you love. With a fresh, femme-forward twist on a beloved classic, The Wind in the Wildflowers is a joyous celebration of friendship, nature, and self-discovery, brought to life with bluegrass-inspired melodies and heartfelt storytelling.
Summer is Here
"Summer Is Here" was the first song I composed for this production, inspired by Omaha by Katie Lynne Sharbaugh. When Grace sent me the lyrics, I immediately envisioned incorporating a distinctly Idahoan sound into the piece. This recording is from a staged reading at Boise Contemporary Theater. In the full score, the song is arranged with both guitar and fiddle accompaniment.
Storming Toad Hall
"Storming Toad Hall" is one of my favorite songs I've written. The melodies came to me instantly upon reading the lyrics, and I completed my first draft in under 15 minutes. It’s the song that always lingers in my mind, and performing it alongside the incredibly talented Rachel Fichtman and Alyssa Stadtlander at Boise Contemporary Theater’s staged reading was an absolute joy.
