January 19, 2010 Proclaimed as "Laura Ingalls Wilder Day"

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle proclaimed January 19, 2010 as "Laura Ingalls Wilder Day" in honor of the Wisconsin-born author of the famed "Little House" books. Later this evening, Little House on the Prairie, The Musical starring Melissa Gilbert will open in Overture Hall inside Overture Center for the Arts. The touring musical will also make a stop at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton March 23-28.

The Governor's proclamation was presented to Ms. Gilbert, who portrayed Laura for ten years in the beloved television series. Gilbert now plays Caroline Ingalls, better known as "Ma," in the musical, which runs through Sunday at Overture Center.

"This is the power of the arts," said Overture Center Chief Executive Officer Tom Carto. "Laura Ingalls Wilder's efforts in the literary arts captured an integral piece of American history from the unique perspective of prairie life. And this musical adaptation of her story will entertain a new generation of families proud to call Wisconsin home."

"It's so exciting for Laura to get this kind of recognition," said Gilbert. "Everywhere I go, people feel a real connection to this amazing woman. That's certainly true here in Wisconsin. I'm thrilled to be part of the Laura Ingalls Wilder legacy."

"It's thrilling to see the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder brought to life onstage," said Representative Chris Danou (D-Trempeleau). "This proclamation and stage production shine a spotlight on one of the true Wisconsin originals."

The performance schedule for Little House on the Prairie, The Musical at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is: March 23, 7:30 p.m.; March 24, 7:30 p.m.; March 25, 7:30 p.m.; March 26, 7:30 p.m.; March 27, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and March 28, 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center's engagement of Little House on the Prairie, The Musical go on sale on Friday, January 22, 2010 at 10 a.m. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or the Center's ticket office at (920) 730-3760. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center's ticket office or online at foxcitiespac.com. Groups of 15 or more can order now and save by calling (920) 730-3786. Additional fees may apply.

KIDS' NIGHT ON BROADWAY TICKETS ALSO AVAILABLE
Kids (14 and under) receive free admission to the Thursday, March 25 performance at 7:30 p.m. with the purchase of a full price adult ticket. Patrons are encouraged to ask about Kids' Night on Broadway when they order. Tickets are subject to availability and the offer is not valid on previously purchased tickets.

ABOUT M&I BANK Broadway Across America - FOX CITIES
M&I Bank Broadway Across America - Fox Cities, exclusively at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, is presented in partnership with Broadway Across America. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, located in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin, is a gathering place for the community and a state-of-the-art venue where the arts come alive. Additional information is available at foxcitiespac.com.

ABOUT Broadway Across America
Broadway Across America is owned and operated by British theater producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman). Broadway Across America presents first-class touring Broadway musicals and plays, family productions and other live events throughout a network of 43 North American cities. Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse live theater for productions on Broadway, across America and throughout the world. Broadway Across America most recently produced the Broadway productions of Hair, West Side Story and Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Upcoming productions include Minsky's; Promises, Promise; Million Dollar Quartet; and the West End production of Breakfast at Tiffany's. Touring productions include Nickelodeon's Storytime Adventures featuring Dora the Explorer and Dreamgirls. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent go to BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.