Company of 'Little House' Planning Tour For 2009

Right now all eyes are on the Guthrie's production of Little House on the Prairie as it now adds national tour to its list of future endeavors.

Producer Ben Sprecher has confirmed with BroadwayWorld.com that the production's future "is bright" and in the fall of 2009 a multi-city tour is planned. Dates and locations have yet to be announced.

The news of the tour comes in right after rumors started circulating that the production could be Broadway bound. The production broke box office records as soon as tickets went on sale and has had to extend their performances two weeks to accommodate ticket demand. Because of the low show cost and seemingly high demand, it seems like it would be a perfect fit for the Great White Way. Variety states, "Although local critics have yet to weigh in, all systems are go for N.Y. at the moment. Global Broadway, which ponied up $1.85 million to pay development costs, estimates a total Rialto capitalization of about $8 million. "

An American story sings as this new musical, based on the classic tales penned by Laura Ingalls Wilder, comes to life at the Guthrie under the direction of Francesca Zambello. A fabulous cast, including Broadway veterans Steven Blanchard (Charles 'Pa' Ingalls) and Jenn Gambatese (Mary Ingalls), television star Melissa Gilbert (Caroline 'Ma' Ingalls), newcomer Kara Lindsay (Laura Ingalls) and Guthrie favorite Maeve Moynihan (Carrie Ingalls), join an award-winning creative team, including Tony Award-winning writer Rachel Sheinkin (book), Academy Award-winning film composer Rachel Portman (music) and Donna di Novelli (lyrics), for this world premiere production at the Guthrie.

Though their DeSmet, South Dakota farmstead comes with many new challenges, the Ingalls family perseveres through the hardships of pioneer life to find hope, love and the promise of a new beginning in a land of endless sky and open prairie. As Laura struggles to overcome a lifelong loathing of school and frequent battles with a town rival, her older sister's sudden blindness and a harsh winter blizzard tests the independent spirit of this young pioneer. Forced to grow up quickly, she follows an unexpected calling, becoming a teacher and finding love on the prairie.

Photo Credit Michael Daniels