UPDATED w/ gallery: 20 Q with 'Little House' stars Kara Lindsay & Kate Loprest; final 2 shows today

November 1, 9:47 AMNashville Entertainment ExaminerJonathan Pinkerton

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Kate Loprest (Nellie Oleson)  & Kara Lindsay (Laura Ingalls) currently starring in Little House/Carol Rosegg, 2009

Rapid Fire 20 Q: Little House Style; a conversation with Little House on the Prairie: The Musical's new Laura Ingalls & Nellie Oleson, better known as actresses Kara Lindsay & Kate Loprest.

Little House on the Prairie: The Musical began it's Nashville run earlier this week and continues with matinee and evening performances Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1. When I first heard TPAC was hosting the national tour of the latest incarnation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's autobiographical books about life on the Prairie--a staple of my childhood viewing--I couldn't image how they would turn a story of poverty, famine, blindness and natural disasters during the late 1800s into a musical, but within minutes of opening night this past Tuesday, those doubts rolled away like a tumbleweed.

Much of the media buzz surrounding the latest retelling of the classic story has been linked to the appearance of Melissa Gilbert as Caroline "Ma" Ingalls. Melissa of course embodied the youthfully tenacious Laura "Half Pint" Ingalls from 1974-1983 on NBC's series based on the collection of books. The true breakout stars of the show, however, are Kara Lindsay and Kate Loprest, who now play the story's lead, Laura Ingalls and her prairie nemesis Nellie Oleson. 

Earlier this week I had a chance to ask Kara and Kate a few questions. Normally when I feature a Rapid Fire Q&A I ask 20 questions. Since I had the opportunity to speak with both stars, I broke it down to 10 questions each. First up was Kara Lindsay, Little House's latest incarnation of Laura Ingalls. Kara, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, has enjoyed roles in regional theatre productions such plays as Quilters, Lone Star Love, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Beauty & The Beast, Cats, Hello Dolly, Side Show, After Miss Julie, Hello Again and Oresteia.

Q&A with Kara Lindsay

Jonathan Pinkerton: Had you read the Little House books or seen the series or the more recent 2005 retooling as a girl?

Kara Lindsay: I did not read the books growing up, nor did I watch the TV series much.  I wish I had!  As soon as I got involved with this show, I ordered all the books from Barnes and Noble and read them twice through.  I fell in love with them!  When I was younger, all my friends were reading the Goosebumps books, so I read them too.  I have a whole stack of them at my mom's house.  The Little House books have a tremendous amount of values to teach young children.  Not only that, but you get quite a bit of American History in there as well.  I wish they had been a part of my childhood.  However, I don't think it is ever too late to enjoy these books!

JP: How daunting a task has it been to portray Laura Ingalls with Melissa, whom everyone knows for having played the role on the beloved series for 10 years, right there beside you?

Kara: Hahaha!  Daunting is one word for it!  When I first took on the role of Laura, it was for a week long reading of the script and score at the Guthrie Theater.  I arrived at day one of rehearsals and saw that Melissa Gilbert was in the room.  I freaked out!  Nobody had told me that she was going to be there, and that SHE would be playing Ma!  What?!  But when she introduced herself to me in her kind and friendly way, I knew that everything would be ok.  She is down to earth, quirky, fun, and a human being just like you and I.  We have grown so close throughout this process and I could not be more grateful to be sharing the stage with her.  I feel incredibly blessed.  So, to answer your question, with Melissa beside me at every performance, I feel elated and all the more supported.

JP: From what I know, this is your first National Tour, correct?  What's the most challenging aspect of touring, vs. regional theatre?

Kara: Yes, this is my first National Tour.  I think the most challenging aspect is traveling each week, never really feeling like you settle in one spot.  Interestingly, this is a lot like the life of Pioneers as they tackled the frontier!  So, I have been trying to learn how to live with less (due to the luggage restrictions and fees) and to live out of a suitcase.  Its not easy, that is for sure.  However, with this tour I now have the opportunity to travel to so many cities I would probably never get to see.  It is all worth it! 

JP: Laura's maturity, in the context of the play, is physically seen in subtle changes in hair and wardrobe. How do you personally convey this through your portrayal?

Kara: Because of the way Laura was written into the show and the arc that was provided, it was much easier for me to figure out which moments allow her to mature.  I think as human beings we mature by experience.  With Laura, it is the same thing.  Costumes and wigs also help a lot!  Also, I tried to specify how she channels her energy and the tone of her voice.

JP: Towards the end of the first act, after Mary (Alessa Neeck) looses her sight, the two of you perform the touching duet, I'll Be Your Eyes. That song perfectly exemplifies Laura's maturity and showcases your voice. What's your favorite scene or number in the show?

Kara: Well, thank you so much!  My favorite scene changes with each show, because every show is different.  Sometimes it's the scene in the schoolhouse when the students all rebel.  Other times it's the last scene where Almanzo (Kevin Massey) and Laura fall in love.  I really do love them all.  The cast gets along so well, allowing each show to be entertainment for the audience and ourselves! 

JP: The role seems fairly physical.  When riding with Almanzo, have the ropes or the seat ever slipped a bit too far, causing you guys to tumble a bit?

Kara: Sometimes things get a little messy!  About a week ago, Kevin slipped and fell right in the middle of singing Faster.  It is the big Laura and Almanzo duet in the second act when they first start to become curious about one another.  At another show the reins completely came off the hook while I was singing, so I was running around the stage with these loose reins in my hands...very silly.  But, thats live theater!  Every show brings something new.  We'll see what happens tonight...knock on wood. 

JP: You previously appeared in regional productions of Hello Dolly and Beauty and the Beast, which both sport lavish costumes, while on Prairie, your wardrobe is very basic.  Do you enjoy the comfort of Laura's simple clothes, or are there days you wish you could trade places with Kate and wear some of Nellie's more elaborate dresses, petticoats and all?

Kara: Oh, no no no.  I am very happy to be wearing comfy tomboy costumes.  Its so much easier to move! In Beauty and the Beast I was a dancing plate.  No thanks.  I'd rather not run around on stage with a big plastic plate spinning on my back and wearing heels, which I despise.  

JP: Early in the show, before Laura leaves to teach at a nearby settlement, you spend much of the first act barefoot. Which do you prefer?  Barefoot or shoes?

Kara: Barefoot!  In all my dance classes growing up, I'd beg the teacher to let me do the class barefoot.  I just like feeling the ground.

JP: What is your dream role?

Kara: My dream role is Belle in Beauty and the Beast.  Maybe I'll move on up from the dancing plate.  

JP: One final question. My favorite number in the entire show, Country Girls, comes about midway through the first act and sets up the antagonistic relationship between Laura and Nellie. The number humorously pits Laura and her sisters against Nellie and the other, more refined girls of Walnut Grove. Just between you and me, is your co-star, Kate Loprest more like Laura, Nellie or sweet Mary?

Kara: Between you and I, Kate is actually a lot like Nellie!  Without the bratty side, though.  Kate is beyond friendly and we get along so well.  But, she is a girly girl, loves pink, and has an incredible wardrobe!  I envy her.  I hate wearing heels, love workout clothes, and don't wear makeup other than the show.  Kate even says that sometimes she'll have 'Nellie moments'.  She is always good for a laugh!

Kate Loprest, a graduate of the University of Michigan comes to Little House on The Prairie after appearing on Broadway in Hairspray, Xanadu and The Drowsy Chaperone, as well as regional productions of Wicked, Sarah Plain and Tall and Happy Days and a stint on the popular ABC daytime drama, All My Children as Scarlet.

Q&A with Kate Loprest

Jonathan Pinkerton: I'll start off by asking you the same question I asked Kara---Had you read the books as a girl, or seen the series or the more recent 2005 retooling?

Kate Loprest: I was aware of those the book series and the television series growing up. There was a plaque in the library of my elementary school especially for those kids who had read the entire Little House series. If you read all the books, you got to get your name on the plaque and I wanted that so bad. Unfortunately, I never achieved that goal. As far as the TV series goes, I used to catch it every here and there; I wasn’t a religious watcher. But I remember watching the show once and saying to myself, “Nellie would be a fun role to play.”

JP: It's my understanding that you took over the role as the show went on the road, correct?

Kate: Little House premiered at The Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis in the summer of 2008. The role of Nellie was played by a friend of mine, Sarah Jean Ford, there. But since then, the show has undergone a significant amount of changes. We had a long rehearsal period in New York City and then a 4 week regional run in New Jersey before embarking on the tour as well. So although I am new to the project (as far as the inception of the tour goes) I still feel like I have created a whole new character with a whole new story and set of emotions.

JP: You've been seen on Broadway in Hairspray and Xanadu and now you're on the road with this tour.  What are some of the differences between the two types of gigs?

Kate: I’d say the main difference between being on Broadway and touring is the obvious one: the travel aspect. On Broadway, you do 8 shows a week (just like we do on tour) but at night you go home and sleep in your own bed. On tour, we’re in a different city every week. But a not so obvious difference that I have to note is the closeness with cast. Most Broadway casts do get along very well and spend time together, but most people have social lives and partners and what not that they go home to that separate them from their work. On tour, we are with each other ALL DAY EVERY DAY which could be problematic if you don’t like your cast mates. I personally feel very lucky because I love and adore every member of the Little House cast. We sight see together, go to the gym together, get dinner, see movies, etc. We are truly a family and we take care of each other.

JP: A look at your resume reveals you've played a few shall we say persnickety blondes...Hairspray's Amber Von Tussle on Broadway and Glinda in a Chicago production of Wicked....and now Nellie Oleson in Little House: The Musical are you really THAT kind of girl, or do you just enjoy playing one?

Kate: Hahaha, yes I have played quite a few “persnickety blondes” to date, it’s true. And I do believe that you bring a bit of yourself to every part that you play. In each of the cases you listed (Glinda, Amber, and especially Nellie) I think that “bit of me” is the humor associated with all the roles. As far as the negative aspects of the roles go (“Why is she so mean?”) I really do have to work at it. When I create a character, like Nellie, it’s very important for me to like that person and I cannot like them if they are just plain mean. It’s also more satisfying as an actress to create someone more dimensional. So I begin the process of understanding them and that process has really helped me come to terms with people in my life who were difficult. But in real life, I wouldn’t consider myself a brat or malicious in any way. Truthfully, I’m more of a Laura: loves the outdoors, doesn’t mind getting her hands in the dirt, wants to run and play, and LOVES horses.

JP: OK, So we know you girls work with TV's Laura Ingalls, Melissa...have you had the opportunity to meet Alison Arngrim , who of course perfectly played Nellie Oleson in the classic TV series?

Kate: I have not met Alison though she and I have briefly communicated via email, just to say hello. I am hoping to meet her personally when the tour goes through Sacramento. 

JP: Like Kara's turn in Hello Dolly, you too have had previous experience with heavily costumed shows like Sarah Plain and Tall and Happy Days.  Do you enjoy all the petticoats and bustles, or are you already longing for a more modern project?

Kate: You know, until recently I was told that I would only be a contemporary actress meaning no petticoats and bustles. So that fact that I get to wear such beautiful and authentic costumes blows me away. I will say, however, that wearing a corset while singing is not the highlight of my life. Haha!

JP: What was your stint on All My Children like?

Kate: All My Children was a really exciting experience for me. I had never done a soap opera before and I would not mind doing another, that’s for sure. The medium is very different from theatre, I must say. In the theater, we take time and prepare our character for weeks as opposed to doing a day on a soap where all you can prepare are your lines. They get you in costume and hair, tell you where to stand, and yell action! You get 1 maybe 2 takes and that’s it. I was really happy when I saw the final product though. AND I did got to throw someone against a door and give them a big soap opera style smooch. My family was so proud!

JP: Any clue how long you will remain with the tour?

Kate: As of right now, I’m on tour with Little House until June of 2010. After that, I have no idea what to expect. I will say, however, that our tour is not currently slated to go through my hometown of Chicago. If the tour plays Chicago in the second leg, I’m there!

JP: What's your dream role?

Kate: I’m probably playing my dream role, actually. I got to create this role and it makes people laugh. Yea. I’m happy and they’re happy and that is what matters. 

JP: One last question. You totally steal the show in nearly every scene you are in.  As I mentioned to Kara, I particularly love the playfully confrontational Country Girls.  I asked her who you were more like: Nellie, Laura or Mary, so I'll turn that one around...just between us who is Kara more like?  Laura, Nellie or Mary?

Kate: Well first of all I’d love to know Kara’s answer to that! Haha! But I will say Kara is Laura. She was born to play the role. She’s a beauty and a tomboy all rolled into one. She’s energetic, compassionate, humble, funny, “strong and true”. I am so happy to share the stage with her every night. We really do like each other and I think we’ll be friends for years to come. She, Alessa Neeck (Mary) and I.

Little House on the Prairie: The Musical features a book by Tony winner Rachel Sheinkin (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and music by Oscar winner Rachel Portman (Emma). Melissa Gilbert (star of more than 45 TV movies in almost as many years) and Steve Blanchard (who has played both Gaston and The Beast in Broadway's Beauty and the Beast, as well as numerous appearances in TV, including daytime roles on Guiding Light and One Life To Live) star as Caroline and Charles Ingalls. As mentioned earlier, Alessa Neeck plays put-upon Mary Ingalls--from my vantage point on opening night, it seemed to me that Neeck really resembled Melissa Sue Anderson, the actress who played Mary in the original series. Young Carly Rose Sonenclar is exceptional as Carrie Ingalls, the youngest member of the clan. I have to admit, I fully expected Carrie to be nothing more than a walk-on, after years of little more than that from Lindsay and Sydney Greenbush, the twins who played the role on the small screen. Kevin Massey plays the young man who, as fans of the books and series know will eventually become Laura's husband, Almanzo Wilder. Side Note: Gilbert's son with husband Bruce Boxleitner of Scarecrow and Mrs. King fame, MIchael (named after Little House actor Michael Landon) joins his mom in this production of Little House: The Musical in the role of Nellie's younger brother Willie Oleson. Further Entertainment Geek Side Note: Gilbert's real-life brother, Jonathan played Willie Oleson in the 70s series.