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Principal casting has been announced for The Guthrie Theater's world premiere of the musical Little House on the Prairie, to run July 26-October 5, with an official opening on August 15. The show, which is based on the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, will be directed by Francesca Zambello, with choreography by Michele Lynch.

The musical will feature Melissa Gilbert -- who starred as Laura in the television series of the same name -- as Ma, Steve Blanchard as Pa, Kara Lindsay as Laura, Jenn Gambatese as Mary, Sara Jean Ford as Nellie, Kevin Massey as Almanzo, and Maeve Moynihan as Carrie.

Ensemble members will include Tori Adams, Mathias Anderson, Lexy Armour, Robert O. Berdahl, Kurt Engh, Shawn Hamilton, Caroline Innerbichler, Norah Long, Ryan McCartan, Addi McDaniel, Mary Jo Mecca, Prince Michael Okolie, James Ramlet, David L. Ruffin, Gayle Samuels, Amy Schroeder, Tony Vierling, and Jordan Young.

The show will feature a book by Tony Award winner Rachel Sheinkin, music by Academy Award winner Rachel Portman, and lyrics by Donna DiNovelli. The creative team will include Adriane Lobel (sets), Jess Goldstein (costumes), Mark McCullough (lighting), Scott W. Edwards (sound), and Mary-Mitchell Campbell (music direction). Zambello is currently represented on Broadway by The Little Mermaid and is well known for her work with the nation's leading opera companies.

For more information, call 877-44STAGE, or visit www.guthrietheater.org.