Melissa Gilbert Returns to the Prairie in Little House Musical

Actress Goes from Laura to Ma

It's been 34 years since Melissa Gilbert charmed her way into American households and hearts as the "half pint" Laura of TV's Little House on the Prairie. Now she comes full circle, slated to play Caroline Ingalls (or "Ma"), the mother of Laura, in a new musical version of Little House opening later this summer. The Associated Press reports that the Guthrie Theatre of Minneapolis will be previewing the show beginning July 26, with the official opening night on August 15.

It's still unknown if the new show will make it to Broadway, but the Guthrie is working with a team of developers to see that the show has the financial backing it might need to make such a move, reported the Pioneer Press in Minnesota. Other names lined up for the musical are lesser-known to most people, but bring stage experience to the show, such as Steve Blanchard, who will be playing "Pa." Blanchard was Disneys' "Beast" in Broadway's Beauty and the Beast for eight years.

The big sell, though, will be Melissa Gilbert. Nostalgia still proves to be a hot commodity, and fans flock to see their childhood favorites again. Gilbert is one of the rare child stars who managed to avoid scandal and gossip, unlike other '70s starmites like Dana Plato and Danny Bonaduce. She has worked continuously, mainly in TV with guest appearances on shows like Babylon 5 with husband Bruce Boxleitner, and a much-discussed role on Nip/Tuck.

Little House on the Prairie, like Gilbert herself, is a timeless classic that seems to be beloved even by people who normally don't gravitate towards heartwarming sentiment. Perhaps it's because the original book series has captivated young and old readers for decades, or because that ol' pioneer spirit resonates with all Americans. Maybe it's just simply because it's a good story, that was lucky enough to be cast extremely well when made for TV. Whatever it is, the Little House musical seems like a perfect (and inevitable) fit for Broadway. Get tickets early; I predict a sellout.