pioneer play

Just when Melissa Gilbert thought she was done with Laura Ingalls Wilder, she was sucked back in by Little House on the Prairie: The Musical. The show, at Starlight Theatre (4600 Starlight Road), was adapted from Wilder’s books and stars Gilbert as Ma, the mother of the character she played on the long-running television show. “We were really inspired by Wilder’s spirit and her masterful storytelling,” director Francesca Zambello says. “It’s a love story about a family surmounting very difficult situations.” Zambello adds that Little House is a musical for everyone, not just women. “It’s not girl-centric,” Zambello says. “Boys love it. Couples love it. It’s a great date show.” The musical begins at 8 p.m. and runs through Sunday. Tickets range from $10 to $85; call 816-363-7827 or see kcstarlight.com. — Matt Mitchell

June 22-27, 8 p.m., 2010