Prairie Style

hotinlittlerock — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:48:04 +0000

Prairie Style

November 4, 2009

For us, family is the greatest gift. They are always around when we need them, and home is our most favorite place on earth. And we were reminded of the wonderful ties of family last night during the first performance of Little House on the Prairie – The Musical.

We really had no expectations when we walked up the steps to Robinson last night with our ministaffer in tow. Sure, we’ve read all of the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder – more than once. But how could a two-hour musical incorporate all of those wonderful stories and feelings? But we were excited none-the-less. The television show, starring Melissa Gilbert, was one of our childhood favorites. And Gilbert was playing Ma.

Well, as the curtain rose and the music started, we were transfixed. The cast was strong and entergetic. From the burly warmth of Pa to the restlessness of Laura, the cast did a great job not only with their acting and singing, but with creating a strong impression of family bonds from the beginning.

Starting with moving out to the Dakota territory, to the scarlet fever that claimed Mary’s sight, to the decision of Laura to “grow up” and teach in a neighboring town to pay for Mary’s continuing education, this musical took all the wonderful highlights of the books and boiled them down to two hours of family fun.

Melissa Gilbert was a pleasure to watch. She has transitioned well from the little girl who played Laura as a child to a beautiful woman who fit the role of Ma. Her singing voice is not as strong as the rest of the cast, but that didn’t seem to bother anyone. She holds her own and develops the role of Ma beautifully. It was a wonderful reminder to see Gilbert struggle with different love for all her children – with discipline – and with life. She portrayed it all well – and isn’t that what all of us mothers go through from time to time? Yes, we think bringing Gilbert back as Ma was a wonderful addition to this new musical.

Tragedy and hardship exists in every family. But when the family sticks together and loves and respects one another – anything is possible. And that lesson – along with the fun songs and reminders of our favorite childhood stories – was well worth the price of admission.

Little House on the Prairie – The Musical
Robinson Center Music Hall
November 4 – 7:30 p.m.
November 5 – 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Click here for tickets and more information.

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Prairie Style