Stained Glass Theatre of Mid-Missouri will bring a heartfelt classic to the stage Nov. 29.
Set in 1876-77, "A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas" is reminiscent of the "Little House" books and is the only substantial period Ingalls chose not to write about in her series.
The story depicts the family having lost their farm when her father, Charles Ingalls, decides to move Laura and the family back to Iowa to run a hotel. With the family struggling to get back on their feet, they are forced to endure their poorest winter ever, and the children come face to face with a wealthy bully who taunts them daily with his pricey new sled. As the children try to overcome hard times during the holiday, they do their best to cherish what little they still have, including each other.
"It's got all the elements of family first, being thankful for the smallest things that you have, there being no excuse for meanness, and that home is wherever your family and your heart is," said Gail Clements, the play's director.
But this production also includes its fare share of lively characters.
"I call it a dramady because there's plenty of good little humor in it," Clements said. "We've got one little actress who's going to steal some scenes with some one liners."
The set only includes a few settings with very little Christmas decorations to represent the time. However, this does not take away from characters leaving the audience on the seat of their chairs wondering what the family will do next.
Told through narration and song, this eight-member cast takes the audience through a completely different side of Laura Ingalls' life while also depicting her entertaining moments of tomfoolery.
"It's really just delightful," Clements said. "That's the word I've been using quite a bit because it is delightful and you'll leave with a smile on your face."
The play is family friendly with showtimes beginning 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday Nov. 29-Dec. 15.
Tickets are $7 on opening night and $9 for all other showings. Purchase tickets by calling 573-634-5313 or by emailing [email protected]. For more information on "A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas" or Stained Glass Theatre's ticket policy, visit sgtmidmo.org.