'LITTLE HOUSE ON PRAIRIE' & Habitat For Humanity Continue Partnership With Newark Building, 9/30

The producers of the upcoming national tour of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE: THE MUSICAL, with Melissa Gilbert as Ma, recently announced a national partnership with Habitat for Humanity, the non-profit international organization dedicated to providing affordable housing to the poor and needy. Cast and crew members from "Little House on the Prairie: The Musical," will help build a Habitat for Humanity house as part of a national partnership with Habitat for Humanity International. Steve Blanchard, who plays Pa, as well as other cast and crew members will pitch in at the build site tomorrow, 9/30. Mayor Cory Booker has confirmed that he will also attend the event to show his support for affordable housing.

The special build event with Habitat for Humanity Newark is a part of a 25 city tour that will end June 2010. At the culmination of the tour, the musical will make a minimum donation of $1,500 to Habitat affiliates in each of the show's tour markets.

LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE: THE MUSICAL is currently running at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ. 

"Habitat for Humanity is truly one of the most important, most wonderful organizations in this country and around the world," said Ms. Gilbert. "An enduring message of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE- the importance above all of a home and a strong family -- is exactly the mission of Habitat. There couldn't be a more perfect match between a show and an organization. As we travel across the country during the next year, we are looking forward to getting involved in a variety of ways in each city to do our part to aid in Habitat's mission to bring affordable housing to those in need."

"We are extremely grateful to Melissa Gilbert, the cast and producers of Little House on the Prairie: The Musical for supporting our mission and engaging audiences across the country to build greater awareness of the need for affordable housing," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "The Ingalls family's struggles in difficult conditions parallel the challenges many families face today in trying to secure better futures for themselves and their children. It's our hope this new interpretation of an ageless classic will remind fans both young and old of the importance of a safe, simple and decent home."

"Habitat for Humanity New York City is tremendously blessed to partner with Melissa Gilbert and the cast of Little House on the Prairie: The Musical, as they launch the newest version of this classic story -- and help build Habitat-NYC's Big Co-op in the South Bronx," said Josh Lockwood Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity-New York City. "Today, decent shelter is as critical to families as it was to the Wilder family so many decades ago and this alliance furthers our mission to provide affordable housing and sustainable communities for families worldwide."

LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE: THE MUSICAL is the uplifting story of an American family forging a new life amidst the mighty challenges, heartbreaks, joys and triumphs that face them in the newly-settled heartland. It is also the story of young Laura Ingalls, as she begins her life as a young woman, finding purpose, and finding love. Above all, it is the celebration of the pioneering spirit and the core values on which this country was founded - a spirit that still resonates today.

LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE: THE MUSICAL had its world premiere production in August, 2008 at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, where it shattered all box-office records and sold-out for 12 consecutive weeks. Initiated for the stage by Adrianne Lobel (Frog and Toad) andFrancesca Zambello, the show is directed by Zambello (Disney's The Little Mermaid), with music by Academy Award winner Rachel Portman (Emma), lyrics by Donna di Novelli and a book by Tony Award winner Rachel Sheinkin (The 25TH Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee). The design team includes sets by Adrianne Lobel, lighting by Mark McCullough, and costumes by Tony winner Jess Goldstein.

The producers of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE are Ben Sprecher, Amy Sprecher, Louise Forlenza, Bob Boyett, Jay Harris, William Franzblau, Tony Fusco, Larry Feinman, and Nelle Nugent, in association with Wendy Federman and Bob Reich.

Following its Paper Mill Playhouse engagement, LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE will begin an extensive national tour at the Ordway Theatre in St. Paul. After a two-week engagement there, the show will continue to cities including Toronto, Tampa, Naples, Raleigh, Sacramento, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and Kansas City, among others. For more information, visitwww.littlehousethemusical.com or www.papermill.org.

Tickets now on sale for The Paper Mill Playhouse engagement at (973) 376-4343 or www.papermill.org.

Habitat for Humanity - New York City transforms lives and our city by building quality homes for families in need and by uniting all New Yorkers around the cause of affordable housing. With the help of thousands of volunteers every year, Habitat-NYC has built more than 180 affordable homes in the five boroughs of New York City. Learn more at www.habitatnyc.org.

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.