In “Little House on the Prairie, the Musical,” the bleak landscape and sub-zero temperatures of the Dakotas nearly break the Ingalls family. But seemingly nothing can tame middle daughter, Laura, who wins the heart of an honest, hard-working man with her strength and pluck.
Laura Ingalls Wilder documented this journey in her classic “Little House” books, which many of us know from the long-running TV series starring Melissa Gilbert (1974-1984). Like the character who defines her career, Gilbert is a survivor. So it’s nice to see her turn up in the musical that runs at the Fox Theatre through Sunday, looking lovely and giving a mostly solid performance as Laura's Ma.
Gilbert is the star of this well-meaning show, which feels a little like a cross-pollination of “Oklahoma!” and “The Miracle Worker.” But the undeniable soul of this "Little House" is Laura (Kara Lindsay), who takes on a classroom of unruly students under Gothic conditions so she can help finance the education of her sister Mary (Jessica Hershberg) — and suffers the impertinences of prissy know-it-all neighbor Nellie Oleson (Kate Loprest).
While wholesome little Laura comes out of her shell here, Nellie remains her tiresome old self. Loprest sings beautifully, but plays Nellie as a caricature of a troublemaker. Still, we know that Laura is in control when she seizes the reigns of the sleigh from the handsome Almanzo Wilder (Kevin Massey) in their soaring duet, “Go Like the Wind.” In a beautiful number that captures the “pleasure and fear” of running wild over a landscape that is as treacherous as it is magnificent, the danger and vertigo of the physical and emotional worlds are mirrored to shimmering effect, and Massey and Lindsay are in top form.
Though handsomely designed by Adrianne Lobel (sets) and Mark McCullough (lighting) to show off the gorgeous Western skies and rough-hewn beauty of the village, “Little House” could use a little more of the energy and sizzle of that exhilarating moment. First produced by Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theatre in 2008 and directed by Francesca Zambello (Disney's "Little Mermaid"), this is an easily digested family entertainment that hits all the right notes, but still comes across as a not-quite-ready-for-Broadway endeavor. Rachel Sheinkin’s book lacks the zing that helped win her a Tony Award for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” while Rachel Portman’s music provides a pretty cushion for Donna di Novelli’s lyrics.
Looking good in designer Jess Goldstein's period frocks, Gilbert shines in her acting, but seems less assured in her singing. She seems a little tentative under the bright lights of her big 11th-hour solo, “Wild Child.” That said, Steve Blanchard’s Pa is terrific – a buxom figure of virility and tenderness. Pa is not about to collapse under pressure of failed crops and frigid temperatures. In a scene that resonates in our own time of natural disaster and financial ruin, when the harsh winter pushes the townsfolk to the edge of despair, they shout: “Uncle Sam, where are you?”
At the end of it all, the musical's strongest attribute may be its depiction of the prairie, so poetic and yet so brutal. We claim to own the land. But doesn't it really own us?
Theater review
“Little House on the Prairie, the Musical”
Grade: B-
8 p.m. tonight-Saturday. 2 p.m. Saturday. 1:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Through Sunday. $20-$70. Presented by Theater of the Stars, Fox Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 800-982-2787, ticketmaster.com
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