Little House on the Prairie (musical)
Little House on the Prairie is a stage musical adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved Little House books. The musical primarily draws from the first book in the series, Little House on the Prairie, and chronicles the Ingalls family's journey westward and their experiences building a new life on the Kansas prairie in the 1870s.
The musical features a book by Rachel Sheinkin, music by Rachel Portman, and lyrics by Donna Di Novelli. Its themes explore family, community, resilience, and the challenges of pioneer life. The score incorporates elements of folk and Americana music, reflecting the historical period and setting of the story.
Little House on the Prairie has had several iterations, including workshop productions and regional theatre stagings. A notable production toured the United States from 2008 to 2010, featuring Melissa Gilbert, who famously played Laura Ingalls in the Little House on the Prairie television series, as Ma Ingalls.
The musical generally follows the basic plot of the book, depicting the Ingalls' struggles with weather, crops, and building a home, as well as their interactions with other families and individuals in their community. It emphasizes the importance of family bonds and the strength required to overcome adversity in a harsh environment.