A little Christmas on the prairie

What happened during the two years of the Ingalls saga that writer Laura Ingalls Wilder chose to leave out of her original “Little House on the Prairie” series? The answer unfolds in the theater confection “A Laura Ingalls Christmas,” from J Love Productions and the Nicholson Ranch Players, opening Thursday night, Dec. 1, at Nicholson Ranch.

In a family twist worthy of the beloved and touching family saga, the four-show run is directed by popular local actress Kathryn Del Chiaro, the great granddaughter of the youngest of the Ingalls family, Carrie.

“It is truly an honor to be the director of this project and to work with such a fine spunky cast,” said Del Chiaro. “We are capturing some of our nation’s pioneering yesterdays, recorded by my descendants. It’s a thrill!”

Written with period songs, humor and depth by Laura Brooks, the play tells a story of healing that celebrates the importance of enduring family bonds. The cast includes Ann Peterson, Jerry Bruno, and Luba Markoff. The children are played by Adrienne Valavanis, Maia Reilly, Kamryn Conway, Nell Sheridan, Megan Dewees, and Oliver French.

Showtimes are Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 1-3, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for those under 18 or over 65. The venue is located at 4200 Napa Road. For more, call 938-8822.

Pictured: (back row, from left) Andrienne Vilavanis and Oliver French; and (front) Megan Dewees, Kamryn Conway, Maia Reilly and Nell Sheridan.