Director of Communications
Amanda.Murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Chelsea.Trott@tn.gov
629-395-8941
CROSSVILLE, Tenn. - Aug. 30, 2021 - On September 10, Little House on the Prairie, the Musical opens on the Cumberland County Playhouse Mainstage!
“We’ve wanted to do Little House at the Playhouse for 10 years,” said Producing Director Bryce McDonald, who directs the show. “So I’m thrilled that we now have the chance to perform this wonderful, heartwarming musical for our audience!”
This sweeping stage adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s treasured books follows the family’s journey westward to the newly settled heartland to find hope, love and the promise of a new beginning in a land of endless sky and open prairie. In story, song, and dance, we see the family persevere through the hardships of winter blizzards and prairie fires as well as rejoicing in the settlement of the land.
Most of all, the story follows Laura as she grows from a child who loved to run free into a woman who embraces the responsibilities of her own future while remaining true to herself. Laura struggles to overcome a lifelong aversion to school and frequent battles with a town rival, but it’s her older sister's sudden blindness that truly tests the independent spirit of this young pioneer. Forced to grow up quickly, she follows an unexpected calling, becoming a teacher and finding love on the prairie.
Above all, Little House on the Prairie, the Musical is a celebration of the pioneering spirit and core values on which this country was founded - a spirit that still resonates today. This production features Harli Cooper (The Little Mermaid) as Laura, Heather McCall (The Marvelous Wonderettes) as Mary, Weslie Webster (The Savannah Sipping Society) and Britt Hancock (Duck Hunter Shoots Angel) as Ma and Pa Ingalls, Sarah Hedrick (Matilda) and Mahala Lantry (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) as Carrie, Christian Melhuish (Godspell) as Almanzo Wilder, and Hannah Hays (Clue) as Nellie Oleson.
Also in the cast are Jacob Alexander, Daniel Black, Kelsey Brodeur, Justin Burr, Cory Clark, Jensen Crain-Foster, Kyra Crosby, Taylor Dearman, Paul Gary, Harper Hadden, DeAnna Helgeson, Emma Jordan, David Kappel, Elle Lisic, Evan Lisic, Lauren Marshall, Weston Moody, Bradley Moore, Charlie Munday, Sarah Norris, Kylan Ritchie, Jason Ross, Michael Ruff, Caitlin Schaub, Luke Smith, Robert Walker, and Henley Willis.
Little House on the Prairie, the Musical has a book written by Tony Award winner Rachel Sheinkin, music by Oscar winner Rachel Portman, and lyrics by Donna Di Novelli. It runs through October 28, is rated G, and is sponsored by Uplands Village.
Currently at the Playhouse: Always… Patsy Cline starring Kellye Cash and Patty Payne, on the Mainstage through September 2, rated PG, and co-sponsored by Hampton Inn/Comfort Suites, Club Wyndham, and Hospice of Cumberland County; and The 39 Steps, in the Adventure Theater through September 30, rated PG and sponsored by Atlas Real Estate - Tracey Barnes, Owner/Broker.
Upcoming: Peter and the Starcatcher, in the Adventure Theater October 8 through November 11, rated PG, and co-sponsored by Cumberland Eye Care - M. Stewart Galloway, M.D. and John and Christine Stinson All CCP productions are made possible through sponsor support, with additional support provided by the Tennessee Arts Commission, Playhouse media sponsor The Crossville Chronicle, and Playhouse Season Partners Plateau Pediatrics and Tim and Susan Tewalt.
MEDIA CONTACT:
John Fionte
Director of Communications
Amanda.Murphy@tn.gov
615-741-9010
Senior Communications Manager
Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov
615-927-1320
Communications Manager
Chelsea.Trott@tn.gov
629-395-8941