This review aired on KBAQ
PONDEROUS “LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE” HAS STRONG CAST
”LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE”
ASU Gammage
I wanted to like “Little House on the Prairie,” the new musical at ASU Gammage this week. Based on the popular autobiographical books and the television show, I was hoping for a warm, loving look at Laura Ingalls’ exploits as she discovers life with her close knit family as they settle in the
The familiar story runs quickly through the family’s settling, the initial challenges of the barren area, and Laura’s struggle to find her place with her two sisters and her loving but strict parents who want what is best for their girls.
But the ponderous and drab musical never ingratiates you to this family. Rachel Sheinkin’s book dwells unnecessarily on details that would best be breezed over and it focuses on the negatives of settling this area rather than on the positives. Rachel Portman’s pleasant but undistinguished songs and Donna Di Novelli’s uninspired lyrics add nothing new and the mediocre tunes slow the musical to a deadly crawl.
Opera director Francesca Zambello’s listless staging isn’t inspired or stirring and Michele Lynch’s cliché-laden choreography doesn’t help. Tacky set pieces don’t capture the land’s stark beauty, and the harsh lighting adds no atmosphere. On opening night there were annoying problems getting the few set pieces in place and, in one particularly awkward scene, a lowered bell tower swayed back and forth distractingly throughout a pointless musical number.
The cast boasts a few solid performances, but star Melissa Gilbert’s Ma proves she is not a musical theater performer. Gilbert, who played Laura in the television series, makes a warm and loving mother, but on the few opportunities she is called upon to sing, she struggles.
Better is Steve Blanchard’s dominant and commanding Pa and he sings with a strong, forceful voice. The knockout performance comes from Kara Lindsay’s spunky and winning Laura. She sings well and acts with heartfelt emotion. Her attachment to her parents and to her two sisters is touching as is her evolving relationship and ultimate marriage to Almanzo Wilder who is played with honest conviction by Kevin Massey.
Kate Loprest’s overly cutesy Nellie is comically pleasing, while Alessa Neeck’s Mary, Laura’s oldest sister, and Carly Rose Sonenclar’s Carrie, the youngest sister, are both believable.
Unfortunately, the solid performances can’t shine in the weak musical or in the blandly staged production.
“Little House on the Prairie” runs long and never sparks. It continues through December 13. For tickets, call the Ticketmaster box office at 480-784-4444 or 800-982-2787 or order online at www.asugammage.com.
Grade: C