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Musical Production Offers Partnership Opportunity for The Seeing Eye
The Seeing Eye and "Little House on the Prairie: The Musical" with Melissa Gilbert as Ma, announce their partnership during a 25-city tour of this brand new musical based on the beloved Laura Ingalls Wilder series of books.
The collaboration between "Little House on the Prairie: The Musical" and The Seeing Eye will convey the same spirit of independence, courage and ability to overcome adversity that The Seeing Eye founders and the Little House book series first portrayed so many years ago. The Seeing Eye celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, and the book series is approaching 75 years old.
"Little House on the Prairie: The Musical" and The Seeing Eye have developed a community outreach program that will strengthen the awareness of services that enhance independence for blind people and will teach about respect and etiquette towards people who are blind. As such, special presentations will be made in each touring city prior to the show's arrival at local government offices, schools, community centers, and more.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with such an iconic and inspirational production to help increase awareness of the capabilities and challenges of blind people in today's frontier,” said James A. Kutsch, Jr., President and CEO of The Seeing Eye of Morristown, N.J. “Much like the characters in 'Little House on the Prairie: The Musical,' our graduates, with their Seeing Eye® dogs, have created a legacy of forging new lives amidst the challenges, heartbreaks, joys and triumphs that we face each and every day. This partnership is very much a celebration and continuation of the pioneering spirit for which we and 'Little House on the Prairie' are known.”
“Knowing that we would be drawing audiences throughout the United States and Canada, we wanted to take the opportunity to help The Seeing Eye spread its mission of enhancing independence for people who are blind,” said actress Melissa Gilbert. “An essential part of our musical’s story line relates to Mary Ingalls, who becomes blind but is eventually able to pursue her studies and flourish in spite of that challenge. Because of that, we hope to reinforce the message that people with visual impairments have even more innovative opportunities for independence that did not exist in Mary's day, thanks to organizations such as The Seeing Eye.”
"Little House on the Prairie: The Musical" will launch a national tour in October at The Ordway Theatre in St. Paul, Minn., following a five-week engagement that began at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, N.J., Sept. 10 to Oct. 10, 2009.
Gilbert, who rose to fame as a child playing Laura in the hugely successful 1970s NBC television series “Little House on the Prairie” now continues her “prairie” legacy by taking on the role of Caroline “Ma” Ingalls. The production also stars Steve Blanchard as Charles “Pa” Ingalls and Kara Lindsay as Laura. During its world premiere production in August 2008 at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, "Little House on the Prairie: The Musical" shattered all box-office records and sold-out for 12 consecutive weeks.
Initiated for the stage by Adrianne Lobel (A Year With Frog and Toad) and Francesca Zambello, the show is directed by Zambello (Disney’s The Little Mermaid), with music by Academy Award winner Rachel Portman (Emma), lyrics by Donna di Novelli and a book by Tony Award winner Rachel Sheinkin (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee).
Since 1929, The Seeing Eye has partnered with people who are blind who seek to enhance their independence, dignity, and self-confidence through the use of Seeing Eye dogs. Now 15,000 of these specially bred and trained dogs have brought a new level of mobility, safety, and self-sufficiency to thousands of men and women throughout the United States and Canada.
Just as the school's founders pioneered the dog guide movement throughout the world, The Seeing Eye continues its pioneering work today. A leader in canine genetics and medical research, innovator in individualized training techniques, and provider of unparalleled follow-up services for graduates, The Seeing Eye is known for its personal attention to every student who enters its doors. The organization remains at the forefront of innovation, research, and technology in the field of dog guide services, yet manages to retain a strong sense of family and personal connection.
The Seeing Eye is a philanthropy supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, bequests, and other planned gifts. Because all administrative and fundraising expenses are covered by the endowment, every dollar of every donation goes to support the school's programs. For more information about "Little House on the Prairie: The Musical" and to learn how to support The Seeing Eye, visit littlehousethemusical.com/partners.