After a full audition process, the production team is ready to announce the cast, “Auditions are always tough because there are so many talented youth in our community,” commented Elizabeth Albers, Festival’s Arts Education Coordinator, “ I wish there was a way for the Wilder family to have 50 kids!”
With two youth casts filling out this homespun masterpiece, eight local youth actors are showcasing their talents for this production. Alexis Slater from Grantsburg and Addie Koenig from Luck will play Laura Ingalls. Her sister Mary will be played by Elliana Naegelen from Dresser and Megan Hankel from St. Croix Falls. Zoe Allen from Frederic and Ella Anderson from St. Croix Falls round out the Ingalls family as Carrie, while Josh Stirrat from Luck and Cade Anderson from St. Croix Falls will portray Johnny Steadman, “the worst boy in Iowa.” The youth will be joined onstage by Elizabeth Albers as Ma Ingalls, Per Wiger as Pa Ingalls and Sherry Pearce as the kind and wealthy Mrs. Starr.
While most performances for “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas” will take place at the Franklin Square Black Box in downtown St. Croix Falls, a special performance will take place at the Amery High School Auditorium at 7:00 pm on December 20th. Tickets for all shows are $26 for adults and $13.50 for students (ages 5-25) and can be purchased at FestivalTheatre.org, emailing festivaltheatreboxoffice@gmail.com or by calling the box office at 715-483-3387. Student matinee’s are filling up fast and are available and can be reserved by calling the box office. Festival Theatre is located in downtown St. Croix Falls, in the Franklin Square Black Box.