Well, we’re finally ready to head off to the Prairie. In some respects it seems like only yesterday that our 11-year-old granddaughter, Taylor Bera (then 10), found out she had been selected to be a member of the ‘Little House on the Prairie, The Musical’ cast and that she would be going on the national tour.
That was in July. Then in August, she had 6 days-a-week practice in New York City with the cast headed up by Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura when the show was a hit in the TV lineup in the 80s and 90s. Melissa plays “Ma” in this musical version of the show.
Taylor was picked to understudy the role of Carrie, the youngest of three daughters. She also has a regular role in the ensemble where she sings and dances in eight performances weekly. The picture above shows her dressed for one of the scenes.
Her schedule has been rather hectic. The show opened September 8 for previews at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ, and had its official opening night September 20 with a party later where they walked the “Red carpet."
Most of the shows have played before sold-out audiences.
Taylor was pre-scheduled to play “Carrie” on September 27 and about 150 friends and family members were there when she took the stage. Here’s a slideshow of pictures from that night:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=972933308703%3A1188547254
Actually, she got in some unexpected “practice” when a traffic jam in the New York area stranded the “regular Carrie” and the stage manager told Taylor 30 minutes from curtain time that she’d be going on as Carrie. That was a “understudies’ dream night.” Shades of ‘42nd Street.’
Besides the 8-times-a-week schedule, Taylor has to “do” school, which means she cracks the books on the weekends too with the other two school age members in the cast-Melissa Gilbert’s son, Michael Boxleitner and Carly Rose Sonenclar, who plays Carrie. A tutor accompanies the show.
The local papers have written about Taylor’s adventure. Here’s a link to one of the stories: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009910020304
The show closes this Saturday (October 10) at Paper Mill. They’ll pack up the sets, costumes and the rest of the scenery and transport it to St. Paul, MN, the next stop on the 20-plus city tour.
Helen and I will be touring with Taylor. We’ll meet up with the rest of the cast in New York City on Monday (October 11) and fly out that morning. The show is scheduled to open Tuesday night in the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. We’ll be there for two weeks before repeating the whole pack up and flying process to head for Nashville, TN.
We’re looking forward to a real exciting time the next few months and I’ll try to keep you updated through this Blog and pictures throughout the trip. Since this is my first attempt at a Blog, I’d appreciate any comments.
That was in July. Then in August, she had 6 days-a-week practice in New York City with the cast headed up by Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura when the show was a hit in the TV lineup in the 80s and 90s. Melissa plays “Ma” in this musical version of the show.
Taylor was picked to understudy the role of Carrie, the youngest of three daughters. She also has a regular role in the ensemble where she sings and dances in eight performances weekly. The picture above shows her dressed for one of the scenes.
Her schedule has been rather hectic. The show opened September 8 for previews at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ, and had its official opening night September 20 with a party later where they walked the “Red carpet."
Most of the shows have played before sold-out audiences.
Taylor was pre-scheduled to play “Carrie” on September 27 and about 150 friends and family members were there when she took the stage. Here’s a slideshow of pictures from that night:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=972933308703%3A1188547254
Actually, she got in some unexpected “practice” when a traffic jam in the New York area stranded the “regular Carrie” and the stage manager told Taylor 30 minutes from curtain time that she’d be going on as Carrie. That was a “understudies’ dream night.” Shades of ‘42nd Street.’
Besides the 8-times-a-week schedule, Taylor has to “do” school, which means she cracks the books on the weekends too with the other two school age members in the cast-Melissa Gilbert’s son, Michael Boxleitner and Carly Rose Sonenclar, who plays Carrie. A tutor accompanies the show.
The local papers have written about Taylor’s adventure. Here’s a link to one of the stories: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009910020304
The show closes this Saturday (October 10) at Paper Mill. They’ll pack up the sets, costumes and the rest of the scenery and transport it to St. Paul, MN, the next stop on the 20-plus city tour.
Helen and I will be touring with Taylor. We’ll meet up with the rest of the cast in New York City on Monday (October 11) and fly out that morning. The show is scheduled to open Tuesday night in the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. We’ll be there for two weeks before repeating the whole pack up and flying process to head for Nashville, TN.
We’re looking forward to a real exciting time the next few months and I’ll try to keep you updated through this Blog and pictures throughout the trip. Since this is my first attempt at a Blog, I’d appreciate any comments.
you did a great job.I can't wait to follow you on this wonderful adventure. you all must be so proud!!!
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