News Archives: 2008

Little House Reunion for Labor Day

This Labor Day some of the NBC "Little House" cast is getting together in Keystone, South Dakota. More information TBA.

Posted 12-6-08

Melissa Gilbert Book Update

Melissa Gilbert's Official Web site reports Melissa recently did a photo shoot for her upcoming autobiography. More book news TBA.

Posted 12-6-08

Skye McCole Bartusiak Directs "Biofuels" Documentary

Skye McCole Bartusiak (CBS, Rose Wilder) with a partner recently directed a documentary on biofuels. The film documents a garage-shop operation in Houston, TX of two partners who collect used vegetable oil from restaurants and process it into diesel engine-ready fuel.

The story was particularly compelling because the partners were able to produce and distribute fuel during the aftermath of Hurricane Ike when supplies of gasoline and diesel were short. For more information about Skye and her documentary visit her Official Web site.

Posted 12-6-08

Greenbush Twins News

Public radio station WWUH 91.3 FM will be airing their interviews with Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush (NBC, Carrie Ingalls) on December 5th & 12th, 2008. The interviews will start during their morning show which begins at 5:30 am EST and can be heard streamed live over the internet on the radio station website located at http://www.wwuh.org/. Follow the link located at the top of the Home page labeled LISTEN. For those of you who are not up that early and would like a copy of the interviews, please contact that Web site.

Lindsay & Sidney Greenbush were featured in a television news story while attending Holy Terror Days in Keystone, South Dakota on September 5, 2008. To see the video click here.

Today's Horse, a magazine headquartered in South Dakota, featured a story on Lindsay & Sidney Greenbush in their November 2008 issue. The topics covered in the story included memories of working on "Little House on the Prairie" as well as their current interests and activities. Copies of the magazine can be found in your local library or you can request a copy be sent to you by contacting that Web site.
Posted 11-27-08

Season Two of Mixed Blessings Premiers

Season two of Mixed Blessings starring Griffin Powell Arcand (Disney, Young Indian Boy) premiers on October 21st 2008 on the APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network)

Posted 10-17-08

Susan McCray Interviews Ernest Borgnine

Susan McCray (NBC, Casting Director) will be interviewing Ernest Borgnine (Jonathan, The Lord Is My Shepherd) on her online radio show to air Tuesday, October 28th. Questions or comments can be sent to studio@ksav.org. To view Susan's guest schedule click here.
Posted 10-9-08

Melissa Gilbert returns to Walnut Grove

Melissa Gilbert visited a museum dedicated to Laura Ingalls Wilder, who wrote the stories on which the "Little House on the Prairie" television show was based. For full story click here.
Posted 10-9-08

New "Little House" DVD Box set by Lionsgate to be released in November

Lionsgate began listing a November 4th release on their schedule a "complete set" package for Little House. This is described as a "complete collection of the beloved classic...(a) 60-disc set (that) includes all 9 seasons and 3 movies, along with 3 discs filled with new special features!" No details were made available so far about those special features. It is listed as having full screen video, with English 5.1 audio, and will be closed captioned for the hearing impaired. The running time provided is 10,032 minutes. While there were no pictures of the packaging made available yet, it was described in the studio information this way: "(It) will be a collector's favorite with one-of-a-kind wagon shaped album package!" The suggested retail price for the complete series is $279.98. More details to follow. (News Source)
Posted 9-3-08

Lindsay Greenbush Mankato Interview

An interview with Lindsay Greenbush (NBC, Carrie Ingalls) from Mankato can be downloaded at the following link: Part 1, Part 2 (MP3 Files)
Posted 8-7-08

Lindsay Greenbush Appearance

Lindsay Greenbush (NBC, Carrie Ingalls) will make an appearance in Simi Valley, California, at Strathearn Historical Park as part of Pioneer History Day being held on August 23, 2008, sponsored by the Simi Valley Historical Society and the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce. She will be available for autographs, pictures and will be holding a Question & Answer session that will give fans the opportunity to hear what it was like behind the scenes of “Little House on the Prairie.”
Posted 8-7-08

TMZ.com's Little Feud on the Prairie "Blown Out of all earthly proportion"

On July 24 of last week, TMZ.com posted a story "Little Feud on the Prairie" in which Alison Arngrim (NBC, Nellie Olsen) mentioned some words about co-star Melissa Anderson (NBC, Mary Ingalls). Prairie Fans contacted Alison about the featured article and in Alison's own words "totally blown out of all earthly proportion." "In the words of the immortal cartoon icon, Foghorn Leghorn....'It's a joke, son.' said Arngrim. Alison also shared "If you notice on TMZ, they only put like three words in actual 'quotes'. In other words, even they know they made up the other four paragraphs! I was interviewed for a magazine in New York regarding my stand up comedy show, and several teasing remarks, said between snorts of laughter, were reported with great seriousness, as if I had just given a press conference on the White House steps!! And with much "added material" from TMZ as is their usual format. I did actually say she was 'high maintenance" That, last I checked, was not exactly earth shattering news about MOST actresses!" After reading this from Alison we can all rest assure that everything is OK.
Posted 7-26-08

New Musical Little House on the Prairie Makes World Premiere July 26 at the Guthrie

Melissa Gilbert, who played young Laura Ingalls Wilder on NBC's long-running "Little House on the Prairie" series, returns to that world — now playing Ma in the musical inspired by the famous "Little House" books. Previews begin July 26 at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. The Guthrie describes Little House as such: "Though their DeSmet, South Dakota, farmstead comes with many new challenges, the Ingalls family perseveres through the hardships of pioneer life to find hope, love and the promise of a new beginning in a land of endless sky and open prairie. As Laura struggles to overcome a lifelong loathing of school and frequent battles with a town rival, her older sister's sudden blindness and a harsh winter blizzard test the independent spirit of this young pioneer. Forced to grow up quickly, she follows an unexpected calling, becoming a teacher and finding love on the prairie." Little House on the Prairie is being produced at the Guthrie by special arrangement with Global Prairie Productions, Inc. Single tickets for the production, priced $29-$75, are available by calling (612) 377-2224 or (877) 44-STAGE or by clicking here. (News Source)
Posted 7-26-08

New Music Video featuring Kyle Chavarria

Kyle Chavarria (Disney, Laura Ingalls) can be seen in the latest music video "Tell Me Soon" by Rooney. Click here to watch the video on YouTube.
Posted 7-26-08

Lindsay Greenbush Throws First Pitch

Lindsay Greenbush (NBC, Carrie Ingalls) throws out first pitch at Mankato MoonDogs game on July 20, 2008. Click here to watch.
Posted 7-26-08

Greenbush Twins Visit South Dakota

Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush (NBC, Carrie Ingalls) will be making an appearance at the Holy Terror Days the weekend of September 5-7, 2008, in Keystone, South Dakota. This is an annual event which is sponsored by the Keystone Historical Society and includes memorabilia and locations related to the time that Carrie Ingalls lived in that area during her adult years and her connection, through her husband, to the naming and construction of Mount Rushmore. Lindsay and Sidney will be available for pictures and autograph signings and will be participating in many of the events that are being planned during that weekend including a parade, ice cream social and family festival. If any of you are in the area that weekend, here is your chance to meet Lindsay and Sidney in person!.
Posted 7-22-08

Volunteers Refurbish Little Houses on the Prairie

On Thursday, June 12, Volunteers from Hampton Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark program spent an estimated 85 hours restoring the grounds of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society in De Smet, S.D. The Sioux Falls Argus Leader wrote a story about it, which can be found by clicking here. Pictured right Hampton Hotel employee volunteer Tracy Kolb (center), Kathy Heller (left), and Bernice Mundhenke (right), both members of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Society, revamp the landscape in front of the schoolhouse where legendary American Author Laura Ingalls Wilder attended school in the late 1800s, in De Smet, S.D., Wed., June 12, 2008. In coordination with the Hampton Hotels’ Save-A-Landmark® program, volunteers from local Hampton Hotel properties will spend an estimated 85 hours restoring the ground by cleaning, priming, painting and repairing the Ingalls’ home, the Surveyors’ house and the First School of De Smet, as well as the Laura Ingalls Wilder Gift Shop. (Photo by Robin Weiner)
Posted 6-16-08

Greenbush Twins Chat Transcript Now Available

Prairie Fans LIVE chat with Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush (NBC, Carrie Ingalls) can be read by clicking here.
Posted 6-1-08

New Autobiography by Melissa Gilbert

NEW YORK, May 21, 2008 – Simon Spotlight Entertainment (SSE), an imprint of Simon & Schuster, announced today that it will publish a book by Melissa Gilbert. Best-known as Laura "half-pint" Ingalls on the series Little House on the Prairie, Melissa Gilbert has a permanent place in the hearts of women of all ages.

The currently-untitled book will feature behind-the-scene stories from her years on the Little House set as well as her time spent in Brat-Pack Hollywood, including her relationship with Rob Lowe (to whom she was engaged). Gilbert will discuss being an adopted child, the loss of her father at age 11, and her battle with both alcohol and failed relationships. But thanks to a great sense of humor, her resilience, and a fantastic support system, Gilbert has found happiness and stability in her life. Gilbert served as president of the Screen Actors Guild for two terms. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Children's Hospice and and Palliative Care Coalition, where she works directly with chronically and terminally ill children to provide them with care and comfort. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband, Bruce Boxleitner.

Melissa Gilbert said "I am writing this book to share the story of my life. Simply put, I have been very blessed but I have also been through difficult struggles and painful tragedies. My hope is that people with similar life experiences will find comfort in my story by realizing they are not alone."

Jennifer Bergstrom, Vice President and Publisher of SSE, said "Melissa Gilbert is funny, down-to-earth, and has an entertaining and inspiring tale to tell. Most importantly, it will be told with Melissa's great humor and warmth. I adore her and think readers will too."

Jennifer Bergstrom at SSE negotiated the deal with Dan Strone, CEO of Trident Media Group, which includes world rights. The book is scheduled for publication in Spring 2009.

National Hospice Foundation Gala and Awards - "A Red Carpet Affair," Award Recipients: Melissa Gilbert, Mary Fisher, and the inaugural Art Buchwald Spirit Award Friday, April 11, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Omni-Shoreham Hotel, Regency Ballroom, Washington, DC. Additional conference info available at http://www.nhpco.org/MLC2008. 
Posted 5-21-08

PrairieFans.com listed in top US Web sites

This Web site has been listed in the top US Web sites. Click here to view our profile.
Posted 4-28-08

2008 Wilder Pageant this July in Walnut Grove

The Wilder Pageant is a family-oriented outdoor drama based on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder in Walnut Grove, whose writings provided the inspiration for TV's "Little House on the Prairie". It is a live performance each night with all characters from the Walnut Grove area. Laura narrates the story, reflecting on her life in Walnut Grove in the 1870's. Dates for this year's pageant are July 11-12, 18-19, and 25-26. Click here for more information about the 2008 event.
Posted 4-28-08

Laura Ingalls Wilder Days to celebrate the 141st anniversary of Laura's birth in Pepin

On September 13th & 14th, 2008, this years Laura Ingalls Wilder Days in Pepin, Wisconsin will celebrate the 141st anniversary of Laura's birth, and the 18th anniversary of celebrating this event which has become an important and popular community event. For more information about this event click here.
Posted 4-28-08

A reporter tracks his 'Little House' crush

Greg Hardesty, a reporter for the The Orange County Register has written an article about his crush on Melissa Sue Anderson (NBC, Mary Ingalls) and how he tracked her down. Click here to read the article. Great read!
Posted 4-21-2008

Ms. Ruth Foster celebrates her 88th Birthday and more!

The family of Ms. Ruth Foster are doing something special for her birthday this year. To celebrate, the family will be recognizing her for her various talents in show business in June at the Lompoc Valley Flower Festival in Lompoc, California. The parade starts at 10 a.m.
Posted 4-11-2008

Brian Part Blows the Horn on Insurance Companies

This previous Tuesday, Brian Part (NBC, Carl Sanderson Edwards) released a public statement "Brian Blows The Horn" on the PrairieTalk.com forum. Brian shares his thoughts on how corrupted the insurance companies are and the politics behind them. Click here to read Brian's thread and to share your thoughts on the issue. Brian & Melody Part also share in the thread a free download of the 1st two songs written by them together and performed. A power house of vocal dynamics and emotion, sure to show the world they need to be out there doing what they do best. Brian's "Blow's the Horn" comments are a reflection of what he has been personally struggling with in his life today.
Posted 3-20-08

Guthrie to premiere "Little House" show

The world of Laura Ingalls Wilder's popular "Little House on the Prairie" books will come to life this summer at the Guthrie Theater. A musical based on the "Little House" books about Wilder's pioneering Midwest family will have its world premiere Aug. 15. Previews start July 26. Performances run through Oct. 5. "If ever there was a subject matter that suited our region, it is Laura Ingalls Wilder's books," Guthrie director Joe Dowling said at a "Little House" sneak peek Tuesday. Francesca Zambello, who will direct, said the musical will focus on the time the books' main character, Laura, spent as a teenager growing up in the 1880s. Zambello said the middle books of the nine-book "Little House" series will form the basis of the musical. Having Laura as a teenager, instead of an 8-year-old girl, "made it much more theatrical," she said. Rachel Portman, who won an Academy Award for her score for the 1996 movie "Emma," composed the music for "Little House." Zambello said Portman was a logical choice.

"It was clear to me that she had the voice, she could capture the spirit of the land but also the great melodies that would give us character songs and ballads and dances and duets, and that world was something she could create," Zambello told The Associated Press. Wilder was born in Pepin, Wis. The action of the musical starts in western Minnesota where her family relocated, then moves to DeSmet, S.D., where the Ingalls family moved to file a land claim, Zambello said. "They were constantly moving. They were poor, poor people, constantly in search of land that would yield them something," she said. Zambello, who directed Disney's "The Little Mermaid" on Broadway earlier this year, said she hopes "Little House" appeals to more than the built-in audience of fans of the books and the TV series starring the late Michael Landon.

"I don't think it's just girls" who would enjoy the musical, Zambello said. "I think it's boys, I think it's families." Rachel Sheinkin, who won a Tony for "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," wrote the book for "Little House," while Donna di Novelli wrote the lyrics. Zambello said it's coincidental that the "Little House" creative team is mainly women. "I think it's great. It wasn't on purpose. These are just the best people for the job," she said. Ticket prices range from $29 to $75. Single tickets go on sale to the public June 27. For more information visit www.guthrietheater.org/prairie
Posted 3-08-08 Source: Associated Press

Catching up with Disney's Caroline Ingalls, Erin Cottrell Exclusive Interview

This Web site recently had the pleasure to catch up with Erin Cottrell to talk about her role as Missie LaHaye in the popular "Love Comes Softly" movies. In our interview, Erin shares with us her thoughts on Willie's death in the series, thoughts about the cast and crew, and what she thought of her TV daughter, Danielle Chuchran (Disney, Mary Ingalls) latest role in Michael Landon Jr's "Saving Sarah Cain" and much, much more! Special thanks to Erin and her management for taking the time to do this interview with us. Click here to read our interview with Erin. Click here to discuss the interview with other fans.
Posted 2-15-08

New Biography book about Mary Ingalls by Elizabeth Kimmel Willard

Late last December Elizabeth Kimmel Willard released a wonderful biographic/fiction book on Mary Ingalls. Some of the story is fiction, but a lot of the story is historically correct in the book.

For the first time, readers will get a glimpse into the life of Mary Ingalls and will discover a whole new side of this Little House sister they've gotten to know through Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic Little House books.

We highly recommend this book! To purchase, click here. Posted 2-15-08

Ask Susan McCray your Little House questions!

Thanks to the success of the first live Getting to Know You show in October, Susan McCray (NBC Little House Casting Director) and the program director at KSAV.org are opening up the phone lines LIVE on Tuesday February 15 at 6:30 p.m. pacific and 9:30 p.m. eastern. for fans to call in and ask Susan their questions. Fans can reach Susan at 1 (800) 407-KSAV. Keep watching for Susan's interview with Ruth Foster on February 26th and March 4th. Ruth Foster played Mrs. Melinda Foster the popular Post Mistress of Walnut Grove. And also look for Susan's interviews with Gil Gerard (a.k.a Chris Nelson from "The Handyman") often remembered as Buck Rogers from "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century". Gil's interviews will air after Ruth's.
Posted 2-7-08

Alison Arngrim comes to the Great White North!

On February 16, 2008 Alison Arngrim (NBC, Nellie Oleson) will be performing in Vancouver, B.C. at the Fairmont Hotel, for the “2008 Legacy Gala” of the “Vancouver Men’s Chorus”. Ticket's are $125 ($50 tax receipt will be issued) or purchase a table of 10 for $1,000 ($250 tax receipt will be issued). For more information visit www.vancouvermenschorus.ca or call (604) 669-7464
Posted 2-7-08

Lindsey and Sidney Greenbush attend Laura Ingalls Wilder Days

Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush will be making an appearance at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Days on July 19, 2008, in Walnut Grove, Minnesota. This is an annual event which is sponsored by the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and includes some of the actual homestead locations and memorabilia related to the time that Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family lived in that area in the late 1800's. Lindsay and Sidney will be available for pictures and autograph signings and will be participating in many of the events that are being planned that day. If any of you are in the area that weekend, here is your chance to meet Sidney and Lindsay in person!
Posted 1-03-08

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