Nothing like someone who knows the lay of the land to make you feel right at home.
Melissa Gilbert, who played the precocious Laura Ingalls on the tear-jerking NBC drama Little House on the Prairie, has joined the upcoming Broadway production of Little House, which will begin previews at the Guthrie Theater July 26.
Opening night is scheduled for Aug. 15.
Gilbert, who practically grew up on the Little House set, spending nine years getting into scrapes, learning lessons and warming hearts as Laura, will step into the more mature role of Caroline "Ma" Ingalls, who was played by Karen Grassle in the series.
Stage veteran Steve Blanchard will star as Charles "Pa" Ingalls, the heart of the homestead originally embodied by the late Michael Landon.