(St. Paul, Minn - Thursday, October 15) – Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity has partnered with “Little House on the Prairie, the Musical” to draw attention to the need for affordable housing. The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is hosting the musical production October 13 - 25, and at the culmination of the tour the musical will make a minimum donation of $1,500 to Habitat for Humanity affiliates in each of the show’s tour markets.
In addition, the cast and crew of the production and staff of the Ordway spent the day volunteering with Habitat for Humanity’s A Brush With Kindness (ABWK) program, repairing a home for Mary Page, a St. Paul homeowner. “I wish to stay independent in my house, and these repairs will be a great benefit to me since I have little resources,” said Page, who is 77-years-old and living on social security.
ABWK is an outreach program designed to preserve homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by offering painting, landscaping and repair work to low-income homeowners who are struggling to maintain their homes.
Actress Melissa Gilbert, who played the lead role of “Laura” in the hit television series, continues her legacy on the prairie and is now playing the role of Ma Ingalls. Ms. Gilbert announced the partnership on August 3rd in New York City when the show spent a day building with the NYC affiliate.
“Habitat for Humanity is truly one of the most important, most wonderful organizations in this country and around the world,” said Ms. Gilbert. “An enduring message of Little House on the Prairie– the importance above all of a home and a strong family -- is exactly the mission of Habitat. There couldn’t be a more perfect match between a show and an organization. As we travel across the country during the next year, we are looking forward to getting involved in a variety of ways in each city to do our part to aid in Habitat’s mission to bring affordable housing to those in need.”
The show began its 36-week tour on October 13th and is expected to play in 26 cities.
“We are excited to work with Little House on the Prairie, the Musical,” said Susan Haigh, President of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. “We appreciate the cast and crew for helping us raise awareness of the need for more affordable housing and their generous commitment to helping to eliminate poverty housing.”
“We are delighted to partner with the ‘Little House on the Prairie The Musical’ producers and Habitat for Humanity,” says Ordway’s President and CEO Patricia Mitchell. “The values that are so much a part of the ‘Little House’ story – in the books, in the television show, and now in the wonderful new musical – are ones we all share: generosity of spirit, a willingness to help others, and the joy that comes from true community.”
“Little House on the Prairie” has remained a beloved celebration of early Americana for over 70 years. The musical premiered at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis in a developmental production in August 2008.
About Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
The mission of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities and to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience. An award-winning nonprofit housing developer, Twin Cities Habitat is committed to building the quality of life, health and economic prosperity of the region by producing, preserving and advocating for affordable homeownership – because homes and families are the foundation of successful communities. For more info, visit www.tchabitat.org.
About Little House on the Prairie, the Musical
Little House on the Prairie, a new musical based on the beloved Laura Ingalls Wilder series of classic American books is the uplifting story of an American family forging a new life amidst the mighty challenges, heartbreaks, joys and triumphs that face them in the newly-settled heartland. Melissa Gilbert, who rose to fame as a child playing ‘Laura’ in the hugely successful NBC television series “Little House on the Prairie” during the 1970’s, now continues her legacy ‘on the prairie’ by taking on the role of Ma. This celebration of the pioneering spirit and the core values on which this country was founded will travel throughout the U.S. on a 26 city tour which culminates in spring 2010.
Performance and Ticket Information
Little House on the Prairie The Musical with Melissa Gilbert as Ma
October 13 – 25, 2009
Times vary
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
345 Washington Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102
$44.50 – $80.50
Box Office: 651.224.4222
Groups: 651.282.3111
www.ordway.org
Ordway Center For The Performing Arts
The Ordway celebrates its 25th anniversary season as one of the nation’s leading not-for-profit performing arts centers and Saint Paul’s most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway’s Main Hall and McKnight Theatre stages attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, jazz, dance, and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway’s mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children’s Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve over 50,000 students annually. The Ordway also sponsors the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists. Together with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.
matt haugen : 3:34 PM on December 11, 2013
Julia Hobart : 11:57 AM on November 25, 2019