Coterie Presents LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRARIE 11/3-12/29

This holiday season, join the Coterie Theatre in enjoying the beloved classic Little House on the Prairie based on the book by Laura Ingalls Wilder November 3 to December 29.

It's the story of the Ingalls - Laura, Ma, Pa, Mary, and Carrie - who sell their house, leave the Big Woods of Wisconsin and head west to Indian Territory near Independence, Kansas. Travel with the Ingalls in their covered wagon, encountering the likes of Mr. Edwards, Native Americans, amongst others, along the way.

The stage adaptation of Little House on the Prairie is by Pamela Sterling by arrangement with the copyright owner, the Little House Heritage Trust. The director is Ric Averill who is overseeing this special version of Little House with a completely new scenic design for the Coterie. Averill has directed for the Coterie before (the theatre's well-received Stuart Little) and has even played Pa Ingalls before, as he does this year. What makes Ric's storybook life as Pa complete this season is that his real-life wife and respected actress, Jeanne Averill, joins him onstage as Ma Ingalls.

"There's something about the play that captures the essence of the American spirit. You can create your own life and you can create you own success," Averill said. "The story is a celebration of freedom and a celebration of family."

The chapters of Little House on the Prairie come alive in very engaging way, he said, which makes the audience (that sits so close to the action), really a part of it. Another entertaining aspect of the production is the music, he added. Although is not a musical, it is a play with period music. There are two fiddles, a guitar and lots of singing.

The production also stays true to the timeless themes Laura Ingalls Wilder instilled in her Little House series: "The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong," she wrote.

"As you read my stories of long ago, I hope you will remember that things truly worthwhile and that will give you happiness are the same now as they were then. It is not the things you have that make you happy. It is love and kindness and helping each other and just plain being good."

Little House on the Prairie is the first of three productions in the Coterie's Family Series. It is funded in part by the Missouri Arts Council (MAC) and the ArtsKC Fund.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
The talented cast features Ric Averill (Pa), Jeanne Averill (Ma), Mattie Faith Bell (Laura), Chloe Wells (Laura), Katie Hall (Mary) and Melanie Humphrey (Mary), Martin Buchanan (Mr. Edwards), Alex Haynes (Young Warrior), Keenan Ramos (Soldat du Chene), Nicholas Gehlfuss (Mr. Scott), and Rachel Hirshorn (Mrs. Scott).

The artistic and Production Company includes Ric Averill (director, music director), Tabitha Pease (set designer), Megan Turek (costume designer), Alex Espy (properties master), Art Kent (lighting designer), David Kiehl (sound designer), Amy Abels Owen (stage manager), Scott Hobart (technical director, master carpenter) and Rachel May Cain (assistant director, production assistant and house manager).

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Coterie Theatre, now in its 31st Season and named "One of the Five Best Theaters for Young Audiences in the U.S." by TIME magazine, is located on level one of Crown Center Shops in Kansas City, Mo. Little House on the Prairie performs November 3 to December 29. For specific dates and times, visit www.coterietheatre.org. Buying tickets in advance is strongly encouraged as many performances are sold out.

Opening Night November 13 audiences are invited to a free post-performance reception with the director and cast. Free question and answer sessions about the show and "how it's done" will take place after the 2 p.m. performances November 14 and 15. In addition, a Viewer Guide featuring background information about Laura Ingalls Wilder, behind-the-scenes interviews and activities for enhancing the theatre experience will be included in each program.

Individual tickets Nov. 3 to Nov. 24 are $15 for adults; $10 for all children, students and seniors age 60 and up; $9 for season ticket holders. Holiday pricing for individual tickets Nov. 27 -December 29 are $12 for youth, students, and seniors; $17 for adults, $9 for season ticket holders. Group discounts are available. TARGET Saturdays: Free ticket with purchase; restrictions apply; not available online.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.coterietheatre.org, by calling the Coterie box office (816) 474-6552 or in person at the Coterie box office.

Notable Dates:
November 13, Opening Night: Free post-performance reception with director and company. (SOLD OUT)
November 14 and 15, Q&A: Free post-performance question and answer sessions with the Company. (SOLD OUT)
November 14, 21, 28, and December 5, 12, 19, 26: TARGET Saturdays: Free ticket with purchase; restrictions apply; not available online.

November 28: Interpreted performance in American Sign Language