Little House on the Prairie, the Musical
Posted by: Nancy
December 9, 2009
Little House on the Prairie, The Musical, based on the novels by Laura Ingalls Wilder, opened Monday night at ASU Gammage. As someone who couldn’t wait for the next episode of the TV series (which ran for almost a decade during the 1970s and 80s), I had difficulty resisting the temptation to compare the stage production to the television version. I haven’t read the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, so until last night, my only experience with this story of an intrepid family surviving the hardship of settling on the prairie of South Dakota, was the TV series. I’m happy to report that I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed this show.
Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura, in the TV series, is convincing as the loving, patient and ever self-sacrificing Ma/Caroline. However, the real staring role is that of Laura, played by Kara Lindsay, who was amazing as she grew from a self-centered, rambunctious youth to mature and loving young woman. And what a voice! The other roles were perfectly cast. Kate Lopest was hilarious as the annoying, but endearing Nellie Olsen, and I was totally smitten with Kevin Massey, whose gorgeous voice gave me goose bumps, as Laura’s one and only, Almanzo Wilder. Ten-year old Carlie Rose Sonenclar, who played the youngest daughter Carrie, is a tremendous talent at such a young age. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of her in future Broadway productions. The sets, lighting and staging simply and poignantly portrayed the austerity of pioneer life in the 1880s. The music and lyrics beautifully expressed the triumphs and travails experienced by the tenacious pioneers who had the guts to pull up roots and venture west. It’s top notch family entertainment–a wonderful gift this holiday season.
Little House on the Prairie runs through December 13. For a look at ASU Gammage from a performer’s point of view, read Kevin Massey’s (Almanzo Wilder) blog on http://asugammage.blogspot.com/.
