I’m deeply moved and humbled by your kind words, they are greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to express your gratitude. Having met Mrs. Wilder at a young age (1954), I think she would be very pleased at how we honor her memory. For your information, the 80-member cast of “Laura Memories” are all volunteers and the proceeds (after expenses) from of our performances go to scholarships for high school seniors.

Thanks again for your visit and for telling your neighbors about out pageant!

Phil (Pa Ingalls)

Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, there will be an evening performance at 8pm.

Phil

Having only moved a few months ago from Virginia, we have been treated to some special gems in the our home state of Missouri ranging from the beautiful Montauk State Park to a wonderful church with great preaching to some truly exceptional and special neighbors. One of these gems was watching the Ozark Mountain Players (OMP) perform during the twentieth anniversary of “Laura’s Memories” this past Saturday evening. Members of the Mansfield, Mo. community come together each year to present a ninety-minute performance featuring events and people, complete with song and dance, from the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Performed in an amphitheater under the stars, the acting, singing, and dancing were superb as we smiled at the antics of the farmboys, cheered when Jack survived the river crossing, laughed at Laura’s revenge against Nellie Oleson, and wept with joy and sadness as Laura got married and moved away from her family. These events and many others were penned in the eight “Little House on the Prairie” books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Having checked out some of the books from the Salem Library, we have been reading her series as a family for the past few months and “Laura’s Memories” made some of the stories come to life.
A special highlight of the evening was meeting one of the OMP co-founders, Pat Allen, and some of her family during the intermission. Extremely friendly, charming and always smiling throughout our conversation, they have written the show’s music each year since its inception.
Sadly, there are only a few more performances this year. If you want to spend a fun-filled evening with your family while enjoying the rich heritage and history of Missouri, then seeing “Laura’s Memories” is a must. Information for the performances can be found at http://www.laurasmemories.com.

Frank DeVenuto
204 County Road 2403
Salem, MO 65560
573-729-5908
Frank.devenuto@hotmail.com

It is so nice to hear from you, and thank you for your interest in our play (Laura’s Memories). Yes, it has been warm but the evenings are not that bad at the amphitheatre because there are large oak trees shielding us from the evening sun. So, if the grandchildren want to wear their Wilder dresses that would be appropriate, and they will blend very well with our cast. I don’t think you should worry about getting a good seat because the seating was designed to have optimum viewing and hearing from any location.

The play usually last about 1 1/2 hours, and there are two acts (the 1st has five scenes & the 2nd has six).

The tour through the both Wilder Homes and Museum will vary depending on the number of tourists; however, on average it should take between one or two hours.

Thanks again, and I look forward to seeing you on the 7th.

Phil Bennett

Thank you for your interest in our pageant.

We are looking forward to another GREAT year! Our performances at the amphitheater is without a doubt much better because: #1. The amphitheater is under the canopy of the unmatched beautiful of the Ozarks’ stars. #2. All props are readily available at the amphitheater (when we perform at other locations we cannot begin to take all the props). #3. The stage of amphitheater is much larger than Ava’s stage. #4. The lights and sound are better at the amphitheater.
Now, to answer your question concerning the appropriateness for a “mature 5 year old girl”…My granddaughter was 5 years old when she started performing in Laura’s Memories, which was 12 years ago. The pageant is quality entertainment for all ages but particularly for children because Mrs. Wilder’s stories focused on her childhood days.

I hope I have answered your questions, and I hope to see you and your family this summer. We are having auditions next week and there is a good possibility I’ll be playing “Pa Ingalls” again this year.

Thanks again.

Phil Bennett