The Black Hills State University Theatre and Music Department is excited to announce their upcoming production of "Little House on the Prairie: The Musical." This heartwarming musical, based on the famous book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, will open Friday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. with an additional evening performance Feb. 24 at the same time. The run concludes with a Sunday matinee Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. The show will take place in the Woodburn Auditorium, marking its final performance on that stage before undergoing a remodel.
"We are excited to team up with the Music Department to bring you this classic tale of family, perseverance, love, and adventure," said Casey S. Hibbert, instructor of theatre at BHSU. "Everyone knows the story of Laura Ingalls and her adventures west, but this is something entirely new. The songs are stunning, the show is filled with sentimentality as well as humor, all while staying true to Laura's roots. Come join the wagon train west!"
"Little House on the Prairie: The Musical" follows the Ingalls’ journey westward and their settlement in De Smet where Ma and Pa Ingalls hope to make a better life for their children. It tells the story of their struggle to keep their land claim. Through story, song, and dance, audiences will see the Ingalls weathering the hardships of winter blizzards and prairie fires as well as rejoicing in the settlement of land and town.
The main cast of this production includes Gwen Hoops as Ma, Scott Kennedy as Pa, Rylann Olson as Mary Ingalls, Elliot Quinonez as Carrie Ingalls, and BHSU student Logan Culhane as Laura Ingalls. The rest of the cast features a combination of talented BHSU students, alumni, and members of the local community.
This joint effort between the music and theatre departments at BHSU is directed by Hibbert, with Dr. Jon Nero and Dr. Nancy Roberts serving as Vocal Directors, and Dr. Skye van Duuren directing the Orchestra.
Tickets for "Little House on the Prairie: The Musical" are $27 for adults, $22 for seniors, $10 for children, and $15 for non-BHSU students. BHSU students, staff, and faculty can attend for free. Tickets can be purchased online at BHSU.edu/BoxOffice or at the door the day of the performance.
Full Cast List for “Little House on the Prairie: The Musical”
Laura Ingalls - Logan Culhane
Caroline "Ma" Ingalls - Gwen Hoops
Charles "Pa" Ingalls - Scott Kennedy
Mary Ingalls - Rylann Olson
Carrie Ingalls - Elliot Quinonez
Almanzo - Ayden Reed
Robert Boast - Kyle Benjamin
Nellie Oleson - Grace Roberts
Eliza Wilder - Melita Quinonez
Mr. Oleson - Bruce Woodard
Dr. Tann - John Alsup
Miss Bayne - Savannah Miles
Mr. Brewster - Clark Ott
Mrs. Brewster - Lauryn Holt
Cap Garland - JayJay Fields
Willie Oleson - Emerson Quinonez
Ida - Hailey Westbrook
Minnie - Jordyn Quinonez
Clarence Brewster - Cambell Quinonez
Tommy - Josiah Sabrowski-Johnson
Ruby - Savannah Miles
Martha - Alexis Hauf
Blanche - Dylan Swan
Ensemble - Kaiden Bradley, Ellie Hauser, Gabe Jordan, Jim Miles