LifeHouse Theater closes out its 30^th anniversary season with the hit regional musical, “Little House on the Prairie: The Musical.”  This heartwarming musical follows the Ingalls’ journey westward and their struggles with the hardships of winter blizzards and prairie fires as well as rejoicing in the settlement of land and town.  Throughout it all, guests will experience Laura as she grows from a wild child who loves to run free into a woman who embraces the responsibilities of her own future while struggling to remain true to herself.

Adapted from the popular “Little House of the Prairie” series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, this musical premiered in 2008 at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Created by Rachel Sheinkin (book), Rachel Portman (music), Donna di Novelli (lyrics) and Francesca Zambello (director), “Little House on the Prairie: The Musical” broke numerous records at the Guthrie.  Melissa Gilbert, who starred as Laura Ingalls in the TV series, played the part of Ma for the stage production.  The production ran for 10 weeks before embarking on a national tour.  Now, this acclaimed production makes its way to LifeHouse Theater.

Performances begin Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM and will continue on weekends through September 29, 2024.  Performances are Fridays at 7:00 PM, Saturdays at 2:00 PM (except Opening Night) and 7:00 PM, and Sundays at 2:00 PM.  In addition to the weekend performances, a special Thursday evening performance will be offered on September 26 at 7:00 PM.

Advance ticket prices are $28 or $24 for adults and $14 or $12 for children ages 3-12 (no children under 3 are admitted) and can be purchased over the phone with a Visa or MasterCard by calling (909) 335-3037.  Tickets are available online at boxoffice.lifehousetheater.com. Checks can also be mailed to LifeHouse, provided reservations are made far enough in advance.  Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office, which is open Fridays from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM and one hour prior to performance times on the weekends.  Tickets are $2 more the day of the performance. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more.  Guests are encouraged to reserve seats early as performances do sell out.

"We are thrilled to bring the beloved stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder to the stage through this musical,” comments LifeHouse President Wayne R. Scott.  “LifeHouse Theater's 30th season has been extraordinary, and 'Little House on the Prairie: The Musical' is the perfect finale to celebrate it.”

“Little House on the Prairie: The Musical” is directed by LifeHouse Theater veteran Jana Smith, who most recently directed “Fiddler on the Roof.”  Smith’s production staff includes assistant director Staycie Monsma, music director Sarah E. Pearce, choreographer Jennifer M. DeWitt and costume designer Melanie Pinkus.  Scenic design is by Jacob Michel with lighting design by Josiah Evans.

“Little House on the Prairie: The Musical” features Leilani Baldwin as Laura Ingalls, Jennifer M. Dewitt as Caroline Ingalls, Rick Arias as Charles Ingalls, Morgan Livesay as Mary Ingalls, Avery Devine as Carrie Ingalls, Paul Jackson as Almanzo Wilder, and Kristiana McKelvey as Nellie Oleson.  The musical also features Lily Hartel as Young Laura, Hannah Smith as Young Mary, Cambria Prusa as Young Carrie, Jeremy Yeo as Mr. Oleson, Paxton Melashenko as Willie Oleson, Zachary Dion as Cap Garland, Mandy Michel as Eliza Wilder, and Brett Scrima as Dr. Tann.

LifeHouse Theater’s 31^st season launches with the west coast premiere of the musical “A Spoonful of Sherman” (Oct. 12 – Nov. 10, 2024), followed by “It’s A Wonderful Life” (Nov. 23 – Dec. 22, 2024), “Peter Pan” (Jan. 11 – Feb. 16, 2025), “The Count of Monte Cristo” (Mar. 1 – 30, 2025), “Esther!” (Apr. 12 – May 11, 2025), “The Wizard of Oz” (May 24 – June 29, 2025), Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” (July 12 – Aug. 17, 2025) and “Jonah!” (Aug. 30 – Sept. 28, 2025).   Money-saving season passes are now on sale at the LifeHouse Box Office.

The theater is located at 1135 N. Church St. in Redlands, next to the Redlands Christian School.  Free parking is available in back of the theater.  More information can be found by visiting the website at www.lifehousetheater.com.

For more information, please call (909) 335-3037.