Gilbert, Blanchard and Lindsay Star in 'Little House on the Prairie' at TPAC

Melissa Gilbert, Steve Blanchard and Kara Lindsey star in Little House on the Prairie, a new musical based on the classic Laura Ingalls Wilder series of beloved American books, which opens at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center's Andrew Jackson Hall October 27, as part of the HCA/TriStar Broadway at TPAC series.

Gilbert, who gained fame playing Laura on the NBC television series Little House on the Prairie, will play "Ma" in the musical, which features music by Academy Award winner Rachel Portman, lyrics by Donna di Novelli and a book by Tony Award winner Rachel Sheinkin. The show is directed by Francesca Zambello.

Little House on the Prairie had its world premiere productin at Minneapolis' Guthrie Theatre in August 2008, shattering box office records during its 12-week sold-out run.

"If the success at the Guthrie Theater is any indication, tickets to Little House on the Prairie, at TPAC are going to go very fast," said Kathleen O'Brien, TPAC's president and CEO.

"The popularity of these beloved characters and stories has traveled from the classic series of novels to the successful television series, creating a sense of nostalgia that multiple generations experience. And now, this stunning live musical will revisit those fond memories for existing fans of Little House on the Prairie, as well as introduce the series to brand new audiences."

"Additionally, the rich subject matter has opened the doors for many meaningful community partnerships, including our area Habitat for Humanity, and The Seeing Eye, an amazing organization that trains dogs as companions for blind and visually impaired people," O'Brien explained. "Partnerships like these are an important enhancement of the performing arts experience, opening the door for conversations and action as well."

Little House on the Prairie tells the uplifting story of an American family forging a new life amid 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.

The production includes scenic design by Adrianne Lobel, lighting design by Mark McCullough, costumes by Tony Award winner Jess Goldstein, sound design by Carl Casella and wig/hair design by Charles LaPointe. Richard Carsey serves as music director, orchestrations are by Larry Hochman and dance and incidental music arrangements are by Michael Dansicker, with additional vocal and incidental music by Kevin Stites.

Tickets to Little House on the Prairie range from $25.50-68.00, depending upon seat locations. For tickets, visit www.tpac.org/littlehouse, call (615) 782-4040, or visit the TPAC Box Office (Downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall at Green Hills). For groups of 10 or more, contact TPAC Group Sales at (615) 782-4060 or groups@tpac.org.

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