March 23, 2010

We Met HER

Last fall we heard that the new Broadway musical "Little House on the Prairie" was coming to our state. I knew my girls would be thrilled about it. Then I heard who was going to be in it:
Melissa Gilbert, as in the cute little freckle-faced girl who played alongside the late Michael Landon in my FAVORITE tv series of all time.

"Mimi" was so generous to order us tickets, knowing how her grands play L.H.P. constantly.
What she didn't tell us was that the tickets were on the 3rd row, front and center!!!

I'll go ahead and confess that when "Ma" walked across the stage, I shed a tear or two. This was someone I've watched/admired since I was a little girl and there she was in person! The show was fabulous. A few of the songs were a little I-have-lines-but-we'll-put-them-to-music, but overall, it was superb: clean, funny, historical.

As we were standing to leave, a little boy approached my mother and asked her if my children were homeschoolers. I was a little paranoid at first, wondering if we were starting to "look" like homeschoolers. :) But this was a time I would have donned a jumper and birthed a few more offspring right there in the auditorium when he said "they are having a Q&A time with the cast for homeschoolers." Expecting it to be supporting cast, I was blown away when SHE stepped on stage:
Hello Melissa (we're on a 1st name basis, ya know), how's Bruce? She's married to Bruce Boxlitner from the 80's Friday evening hit Scarcrow and Mrs. King, fyi. Her 4th/youngest son plays the role of "Willie" and they were adorable sitting together. All touchy-feely and laughing. I expected her to be a little Hollywood-aloof, but she totally proved me wrong. She was very warm, kind, and approachable.
I just couldn't get past her hair. It was GORGEOUS. Now I know why the makers of Wen hair products asked her to be their infomercial spokesperson. Beautiful tresses!

One thing that did surprise me was the combination of Uggs and capris. I thought that was a fashion no-no. But what do I know? I've got stars in my eyes.

18 comments:

Cindy said...

This is so cool. Of course I was a big fan of the series. My daughter was never interested until she landed a lead role in a community production. The play had Laura portrayed in 3 stages of her Life. My girl played the middle Laura who falls in love with "Manly" She even got her first kiss during this play. On the cheek of course. She was 16 and the guy who played Manly was in college. oohhh. It was a big deal for us.

Unknown said...

How wonderful for you and your family! Don't you just love it when God throws an extra treat your way, out of the blue! Bravo!

Dawn said...

oh my gosh oh my gosh! i can't believe i passed up the chance to see it... i think it was here the weekend before it was in your neighborhood! oh the hours we played lhp :) my daughter likes it, but she doesn't live/love it like i did! sounds like an amazing experience!! a memory of a lifetime!

Amber said...

AAAHHHH!!!

It came to Arkansas, too, and I so wanted to go.

I'm so glad that you were able to!!!

But I'm not digging the Uggs and capris either. Kinda weird. But if you're HalfPint....then you can do what you want.

Carpool Queen said...

I've always had a girl crush on her. Maybe it's the hair. Do you think they sell that color??

Jessica said...

That's so fun! I loved the show/books when I was little.

Natural Mama said...

Your mom and you are so cute! That sounds like a day to remember forever. I would love to see this show. Great close-up of Melissa. Thanks for letting us live through you!

Amy Kinser said...

How lucky for you. I grew up watching Little House and still love it. My seven year old and I are reading the books for History. Great things to be learned. My daughter was shocked when we read about Mary and Laura blowing up the pig bladder to make a balloon. Gotta love the old days...

Cheri said...

So neat! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love makeup, and it is really increasing which I better get under control. lol I only buy things on sale, so I watch all the sale flyers. I even keep a list going on my iPhone. Any time I see something I think I "need", I put it on the note area. Then when I'm out, I check it to see if there is something on my list on sale. I'm even organized in that way! lol

Kellie said...

We loved it, too. Only Kevin and I saw it since he has the season tickets. lol Glad you were able to meet her in person! :)

Tiffani said...

I am a lover of all things Broadway and somehow I missed that this was a musical!! It hasn't come to Atlanta yet but maybe it will!!!

How AWESOME that y'all got to go to that session afterwards...did you ask anything??

I cracked up at your willingness to "don a jumper and birth more offspring"!!! Too funny! Glad you had such a special day with your family.

O Mom said...

Love this!
This was also my favorite show growing up. I loved that family and always wanted to be part of it...My husband reminds me of Pa and I have 3 daughters........weird huh!! :)
I'm so hoping to see it when it comes here!

Little Oak Table said...

that is just a blast!!! i bet that was the best feeling for your mama to get to treat ya'll to such a fun day!!!

Kelli said...

I loved reading this post. How fun! I know your kids will never forget that! =)

Lynn said...

She does have beautiful hair! Maybe yours will be just like it after your upcoming hair appt. :)

Brook said...

Im coveting your field trip :D I need to go online and see if LHP will be coming to Alabama! My kids would love it too!! Thanks for sharing!

Gretchen said...

And to think...I've hugged the person who has met Laura.

Sigh.

What fun! I don't know if it was the raised by a single parent thing or not, but I grieved over Michael Landon's and "Mr. Edwards'" and now "Jonathon's" deaths.

Cathy said...

Be still my Prairie lovin' heart.

Are they coming to MY town??