Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance fulfilled the expectations of audience members who had been looking forward to that evening with great anticipation. They witnessed spectacular dancing mixed with modern costumes, lighting and stage effects and granted the cast a standing ovation.

Although the buses of Irish dancers have left Hammons Hall, our stage will not be without shimmering outfits and beautiful women. This weekend, contestants that hail from all across Missouri will compete for the titles of 2010 MISS MISSOURI USA and MISS MISSOURI TEEN USA. While these women are representing the areas that they come from and are competing to represent Missouri in national competitions, there is a girl that already embodies Americana.

Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote a series of chapter books that have become children’s classics and are beloved by generations. Some of the stories that she wrote about will be retold at Hammons Hall November 6-8 through the musical Little House on the Prairie with Melissa Gilbert. This is a Broadway show that the whole family will enjoy.

Fun Fact: Little House on the Prairie was also a television series. Melissa Gilbert, who plays “Ma” in the Broadway musical coming to Hammons Hall, actually played “Laura” for 10 years in the television series.

Fun Fact: The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum is located in Mansfield, Mo., which is less than 1.5 hours outside of Springfield.