In conjunction with the forthcoming national tour of the musical Little House on the Prairie to be performed at the Paper Mill Playhouse, the Maplewood Library Children's Department presented an interactive theater experience depicting the life of American settlers during the mid-19th century as told through the character of Laura Wilder Ingalls, author of Little House.

Sandy Marino, a theater-teaching artist at the Playhouse, assumed the character of Ms. Ingalls. As Ingalls, she led the audience in a series of role playing, reading and dancing activities to have them experience what life might have been like during the days the settlers moved westward.

When first told that over 120 children had signed up to attend the performance, Ms. Marino seemed at first a bit daunted to be playing before so many kids in the relatively intimate space of the downstairs Memorial Hall, but given the prevailing ideal weather conditions outdoors, she was greeted by a respectable group of 35 or so eager participants whom she immediately engaged with her warm charm and enthusiastic performance.

Marino told Children's Library coordinator Jane Folger this was her third library performance of the day.

"I'm so impressed with the dedication of the library staff in organizing this event and the enthusiasm of the kids, and the library and town are lovely," Marino said.

Little House on the Prairie—The Musical starring Melissa Gilbert, will be performing at the Paper Mill from September 10th through October 10th.