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This month's news from Alison...
actually from
Alison's hubby
Mr. Bob
Alison Arngrim Home Page
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Nellie Newsletter
4/8/24
I’m glad to see that things have finally calmed down a bit. Well, for me, at least. Alison is of course off somewhere (Kentucky, I think. Hard to keep track!) enjoying her adventures in this Year of the Reunions.
The weather is settling down, too. Cold today, but no more rain for a while. The cats are keeping me company while Alison and Sock Monkey are on the road.
So, let’s address the elephant in the room. (Hello. Mr. Elephant!) WHAT A BLAST WE HAD IN SIMI VALLEY!!! Where do I even begin? There were, I’m told, some 18,000 people in attendance. We were going steady from early Friday morning until Sunday evening. (I don’t think Alison had a chance to eat lunch any one of those days!) There were panels, professional photo ops, recreated sets, bus tours, and a host of different vendors with Prairie-related products. (I confess, I was so busy at Alison’s table that I did not get a chance to see anything outside of the autograph room!) Well, I did get shown around late Friday night so I would know what was going on. And there were so many of the cast and collaborators there! Ketty Lester, who I had not seen in some time. Lucy Lee Flippin, who I last saw at the 40th reunion in Walnut Grove. I finally got to meet Pamela Bob, who did a wonderful job of hosting and moderating the panels.
And then there was Jonathan Gilbert (Willie Oleson). Jonathon has been an ongoing mystery for the last 40 years or so. No one knew where he was, or what he looked like, all grown up. Well, he showed up, and stayed for all three days. Alison had not seen him since 1983, so to say she was a little emotional would be a tremendous understatement! And as to what he has been doing all these years, here’s a snippet of his answer to that question on one of the panels: Jonathan Panel
And then there were the bus tours of Big Sky ranch where the actual filming took place. OK, some of them got rained out, but we really could not control the weather! Did I mention that there were people at the event from all over the world? The countries that I am aware of that were represented: Canada, France, England, New Zealand, Germany, Belgium, the Philippines, Peru, and Iran to name but a few. Here’s a video of the bus tours prepared by one of our visitors from Germany: Bus Tour Video
So here are a few links to give you an idea of what took place:
A news report giving an overview of the event with some nice pictures: KSL News Report
Introductions of some of the cast: Cast Introductions
A montage of the weekend: Weekend Montage
A panel in memory of some of those who have passed on: In Memory Panel
So let me first give a hearty congratulations to the planning committee. You spent several hard years working on this, but you created an event of epic proportions, the likes of which will never be equaled!! Good job, my hats off to all of you!
Now, here are some reflections on the Simi weekend from some of the participants:
Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace) – “I don't think I'll ever forget sitting at the table, where Baby Grace sat in the "Little House" interior set in Simi Valley. It was a magical moment for sure. I'm beyond grateful to be part of the legacy of Little House on the Prairie.”
Lucy Lee Flippin (Eliza Jane Wilder) – “Overwhelmingly emotional and moving! Guest remarks:
"I grew up with you." "I became a teacher because of you." "I got through chemo because of your show!" Eternally grateful to all.”
Pamela Bob – “I am still recovering from this epic moment in time that was the Simi Valley 50th Anniversary celebration. There are too many incredible experiences to tell, including my tour of Big Sky ranch, as well as hanging out IN the Little House, Church/School, Mercantile... I cried during both of these experiences! But to be on stage, moderating these panels with the legends I grew up with and admire so much, was an out-of-body experience. Certainly, the re-introduction of Jonathan Gilbert to the world, and reuniting with Alison on the stage was a historic moment that I feel so honored and privileged to have been a part of. Talking with Karen Grassle, and the rock star reception she got on that stage, asking Linwood Boomer questions that we've all wanted to ask ("how could you have forgotten your baby in a burning building?!"), and making true friendships both with the cast as well as devoted fans is something I will cherish forever. I must shout out to the wonderful team who volunteered their time to work my Livin' On a Prairie table - without them, there is no way I could have made it through the weekend. And to the fans who recognized me (that took me by surprise!) to tell me how much they love Livin' On a Prairie as well as the Little House 50 for Fifty Podcast was truly remarkable. I have posted the talkbacks and more behind-the-scenes videos on my TikTok account @livinonaprairie as well as my instagram account @PrairieTV. I will continue to post, as well as do live streams with Alison and other panelists like Jan Broberg (Instagram @janibroberg) to talk more in detail about everything that went on in Simi--and beyond! So please join me on socials! I want everyone to know that this kind of support means everything to me, and I appreciate you all. THANK YOU!”
Ketty Lester (Hester Sue Terhune) – Here is a FaceBook message from Ketty about what the weekend meant to her: Ketty Reflections
So, the day after the Simi weekend, Monday night, we went to the Sierra Madre Playhouse where Alison and Patrick Loubatiere, presented “Nellie Oleson Enflamme Les Annes 80!”, the show that she does when she goes to France. Yes, it was in French, but they added a little in English for the rest of us. This was great fun, and everyone had a wonderful time. What a way to cap off the weekend!
And as I predicted, there were many great friendships started over this weekend. I met two people whose bus tour got rained out, and they spent so much time waiting in line for another one, that they have become practically inseparable! And there were two women who came to the French show who grew up in the same small town in Belgium and had not met until that night! See what happens at Prairie events!
Let’s do that run down of Alison’s activities:
1. Daily Book Readings – The daily readings are currently on hiatus for an indefinite period.
2. Bonnets, Etc. - Bonnets, tin cups, books, photos, Alison sells them at her online store, 'Not Your Mothers Mercantile'. Everything autographed. Here's the link to the store: Mercantile New items have been added. (To see the complete selection, click on the “Shop Now” button.) Be sure to specify how you want them signed. Also, check her schedule. If she’s out of town, she won’t be here to fill your orders.
3. Cameo - You can have your favorite cast member record a personal video greeting - Happy Birthday, Congratulations, Get Well Soon, you name it! Check it out: Cameo Website Or... cut to the chase: Alison Cameo
4. Radio Show / Podcast - The Alison Arngrim Show is on every Tuesday at 5:00 pm Pacific Time. The best way to catch the show live is to go to the UBN Radio page on FaceBook: UBN FaceBook. Alison’s next guest will be actress Nicole Eggert (Baywatch, Charles in Charge). If you have any ideas of who you would like to see interviewed by Alison, pass them along, and we’ll see what we can do! If you miss a show, or want to catch any of the past episodes, go to her FaceBook page for the show: Arngrim Show Catalog Keep in mind, this is the year of the 50th anniversary, so expect a lot of reruns.
5. Who's Going To Do The Cooking? - Alison will be appearing on her FaceBook page, cooking something with instructions, whenever she can find the time. She has made many incredible dishes. You can find all of these on her YouTube Channel: Who's Going To Do The Cooking?
So, about that schedule . . .
First on the list, Alison will be appearing for the umpteenth time at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield, Missouri, April 25th to 28th. She will be joined by Wendi Lou Lee, Charlotte Stewart, and Dean Butler, at the very least. Things are crazy this year, with the Anniversary and all, so events are competing for cast members, and not revealing their names until the last minute. The Cherry Blossom Festival is open to the public and most events that do not include food or a performance are free. Here is their face book page to try to keep up: Cherry Blossom
Next, on Saturday, May 4th, Alison, Olivia Barash, Jennifer Donati, and Pam Roylance, among others, will be appearing at the Game Night of Stars, at 5:30 pm at the Garden Grove Courtyard Center, 12732 Main Street, Garden Grove, CA 92840. Yep, you will join your favorite celebrity and play, well, parlor games. Like you went to their house to have a Game Night. Each will be playing a different game with their guests. (Alison is playing Charades!) Tickets are $120, and there are only 100 tickets available. The evening includes games, cocktails, appetizers, desserts, and an auction. The evening is to benefit A Quarter Blue, a non-profit organization to protect children and empower victims of violent, interpersonal crimes. For more info, details, and tickets, check this out: Game Night of Stars This sounds like a lot of fun.
On May 9th, Alison will be going to Chicago and presenting “Confessions of a Prairie Bitch” at the Venus Cabaret Theatre at the Mercury Theatre, 3745 N Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613, at 7:00 pm. Here’s the website for the club: Venus Cabaret Theatre Tickets are $33, and can be purchased here: Nellie Tickets According to the website, you can click on ‘Add-Ons’ to purchase a VIP Photo Op with Alison, but I couldn’t find it on their site. This will be Alison’s first time at this venue, and I wish I could be there!
OK, then Alison returns to New York City for her annual Mother’s Day appearance at the Laurie Beechman Théâtre in the West Bank Cafe, 407 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, on Sunday, May 12th. Here’s the link for the Beechman: Laurie Beechman Theatre And here’s the link for Spin Cycle: Spin Cycle Tickets are available here: Nellie Tickets Tickets are $26, with a $25 food/drink minimum. The food is fabulous! Remember, you can always take Mom out to the show, and point out, “At least I didn’t turn out as bad as Nellie!” (Mom will be grateful!) Unless you did, of course! But watch yourself! Last year they had to remove a whole table of guests from the club for being drunk and disorderly!
Then, on May 17th, she will be presenting "Confessions Of A Prairie Bitch" at Play Louisville, 1101 East Washington Street, Louisville, KY 40206 (at Buchanan Street), at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $22 ($35 for VIP), and you can get them here: Nellie Tickets This will be Alison’s first time at this club. Here’s the club website: Play Louisville
Then on May 18th, the very next day, she will be presenting "Confessions Of A Prairie Bitch" at Play Nashville, 1519 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37203 (between 15th & 16th Aves), at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $22 ($35 for VIP), and you can get them here: Nellie Tickets This will also be Alison’s first time at this club. Here’s the club website: Play Nashville
And then she takes off for Kansas to join the rest of the gang at the Little House on the Prairie Museum in Independence, Kansas, for 2024 Prairie Days, Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2. Ticket prices range from $6 to $175, depending on what you sign up for. Here’s the link for info and tickets: Kansas Reunion There will be the usual selection of activities: Meet & Greet, Autograph Signing, “Prairie Remembers” Dinner, VIP Breakfast, etc. All details are available on the site above, with the ever-changing cast of characters.
THIS JUST IN!!! On June 14th we will be arriving in Monaco for the 63rd Festival De Television De Monte Carlo for a MAJOR Little House reunion. The gathering will feature Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Sue Anderson, Alison, Matt Labyorteaux, Wendi Lou Lee, and Leslie Landon. (Phew!) If you ask me, this line-up is outstanding!! The festival is open to the public, and many of the events are free. However, if you want to buy a ticket, prices range from €49.00 to €7,750.00, depending on what you sign up for. (Oh, that’s in Euros, by the way.) Check out the website for more information: Monte Carlo TV Festival (Sorry, it’s in French!) Well, the Festival is (sort of) in France, after all! You can bet Sock Monkey and I are going to this one! (Sock Monkey wants to meet Prince Albert!) Oh, and here’s an article about the Festival in English: Hello Monaco
Next up on my calendar is something brand new. Alison is returning to P-Town! Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14, Alison will present "Confessions of a Prairie Bitch" at Redroom, 258 Commercial Street, Provincetown, MA. Tickets are $35, or $45 for VIP tickets, and are available on their website: Redroom This should be good. Alison likes P-Town, and P-Town seems to like her. And it is usually just one big party! And, to top it off, this is Bear Week in P-Town! What could be better? (Bears again?!)
So, we’re staying about 3 months out with details. For the rest of the ones that I’m aware of, I’ll just put the event, dates, and link. More info as we get closer.
July 19 – 21 - Walnut Grove 50th Anniversary Celebration & TV Cast Reunion - Walnut Grove
July 26, 27, 28 – Keystone South Dakota – Carrie Days presents LHOTP 50th Anniversary – SD - Keystone
August 30 – September 1 - Grand Oak Villa in Watertown, CT - Watertown
September 3 - Farm & Home Center, Lancaster, PA - Lancaster
September 4 – An additional show due to popular demand, at a different location in Lancaster, PA - Lancaster-2
November 15 – 17 - Branson Convention Center in Branson, MO “A Prairie Christmas From Branson” - Branson
So, before you start sending me e-mails and lists, I’m only listing the events that Alison is going to be attending. There are others, but you’re on your own for those!
All right, enough schedule for now.
Rumour Control
1. Are you going to San Francisco?… .. better wear some flowers in your hair…
2. Utah? I love the Osmonds!
3. Just how many shows CAN you do back-to-back in French…?
Miscellaneous
Télématin – Here’s an interview that Alison did on April 6, 2019, on French TV. In French, of course: Telematin
Michael on Carson – We may have had this one before, but this is Michael Landon appearing on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Check it out: Tonight Show
Closer Magazine – Be On The Lookout!! The April 22nd issue of Closer Magazine has an article with pictures of Jonathon Gilbert and Alison cavorting in the Mercantile Set at the Simi Valley reunion. Will probably sell out as soon as they hit the stands!
Fifty for 50 Podcast – Well, this is still going strong. Hosted by Pamela Bob, featuring Alison and Dean Butler, they have a new podcast every week. The last two were: 3/27 – “Reflections on Simi, Part 1” featuring Leslie Landon and Michael Landon Jr.; and 4/4 – “Reflections on Simi, Part 2”. The next one will drop on 4/11, “A Young Original with Lindsay Greenbush”, Rachel discusses her childhood and her experiences as Baby Carrie. Here’s the website for reference, complete with recent episodes, background on the podcast, and Prairie Merchandise: Fifty for 50
Behind the Scenes Highlight – This is the section where we highlight the many people who help to keep this thing together. Last time we talked about Tony Sweet.
This month I would like to shine the spotlight on Trip and Rebecca Friendly.
Many of you hard core bonnetheads remember that it was Hollywood producer Ed Friendly who waaaay back in 1972 acquired the rights to the Little House books from Roger Lea MacBride to make a TV series. Just add Michael Landon and a touch of magic and - Poof! Well, history was made.
Now, many years later (half a century!), the keeper of the prairie flame is none other than Ed’s son Trip Friendly who heads up Friendly Family Productions, along with his daughter Rebecca. They own the rights to the show, images, etc. and are now basically the source of all things “official” regarding LHOTP. They operate the Official Little House On The Prairie website ( Prairie Website ) where they promote the show, the books as well as the work of various cast members and artists.
Trip and Rebecca are great supporters of this Great Year of The Reunions and were heavily involved with the planning committee for the Simi Vally Event. Here’s a shot of Trip posing with one of the many guests in Simi Valley: Trip In Simi
Trip and his family travel all over the world and have seen firsthand the love for our show in other countries (it’s aired in over 100!). They have been partnering with many of the event producers, artists and others to help bring more Prairie Love to the world!
So, Trip and Rebecca Friendly, thank you for all you do, and the support you’ve shown for all of our efforts. We, literally, could not do this without you. (No, really!)
Maintaining our lives in the age of COVID-19 – Currently, the dominant variant nationwide is JN.1, with 86.5% of cases, followed by JN.1.13, with 9.5% of cases, and JN.1.18, with 1.8% of cases. "The original omicron variant is gone now," says Dr. Rupp. "Currently subvariants of omicron are circulating, including BA.2.86, JD.1.1, and GE.1."
There were 7,318 hospitalizations across the US in the last week. COVID was responsible for 1.1% of deaths that same week.
OK, so it’s not really gone away. It has abated somewhat and fallen off the radar for news coverage. I admit I’ve slacked off on the mask wearing a bit. I no longer mask when I’m alone in the office in the morning, or when I’m in the car by myself. But when I’m around groups of people, especially those I’m not accustomed to, the mask stays on.
And the hand washing. That’s just a no-brainer. Not sure why we weren’t always doing that. And I’m still in line for the latest vaccine booster.
And for our Fauci moment: "I don't know how to explain to you that you should care for other people." But we must.
50th Anniversary Report
Our report from the “The Year of the Reunions “ headquarters:
Simi Valley - Well, that was something, now, wasn’t it? I think this was the most thoroughly produced event that I’ve ever attended. Again, hats off to the committee. You really outdid yourselves, and everyone else, for that matter!
Walnut Grove – OK, Walnut Grove, now it’s your turn! They finally have a site that explains their event. Check this out: Walnut Grove It will be on July 19 – 21, 2024. Definitely go to their site and check it out. There are several events and rules for attending, getting things signed, etc. (For example, you can attend the bruncheon or the luncheon, you cannot get tickets to both.) They are having autograph sessions, a bruncheon, a luncheon, photo ops, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, and of course, there is the museum. Times for the various events will be announced sometime in June.
And this posting from Paul Valenti keeps up with all the Walnut Grove changes: Valenti Report
A new one has been added:
Gravel Road Productions, in conjunction with Susan McCray, is presenting “Little House On The Prairie: A 50th Anniversary Cast Celebration”, August 30-31 & September 1 in Hartford, CT. Tickets prices range from $20 to $600, depending on what you’re looking for. Proceeds will benefit a local not-for-profit Kids Play Children’s Museum, located in downtown Torrington, CT. There will be many activities, and a long list of cast members in attendance. Check out the website for all the details: Hartford
Rumored additional events include Northeast Ohio, various other locations around the country, and maybe Europe as well. (I’m hoping for one in France!!) As time goes by, more people are realizing that this is the 50th anniversary, and it’s a big deal. I believe there will be many more events going forward. Hard to keep up! And I believe this will carry over into next year for all those who missed out on the first round.
So, as you can see, things are getting a little crazy over here. There are going to be events almost every weekend all summer long, and then some! A few suggestions:
- Cast lists are constantly changing, and even those listed the day before the event may have to cancel at the last minute. Be patient, be flexible, be prepared.
- Check the weather forecast before you go. California is usually sunny and hot, but not so much this year. Other areas are also having weather issues. Be prepared, plan ahead.
- Don’t count on lodging being available. Again, plan ahead, or you may be sleeping on the street! (Not advisable!)
- Parking will be a nightmare, no matter how you slice it. Plan ahead, arrive early, be patient.
- Recommend that you bring cash. Some people take credit cards, but many do not. And ATMs won’t always be available.
And above all, be patient. (Have I mentioned that before?) There are a lot of events going on, and everyone is doing the very best that they can. There are thousands of people from all over the world who want to come to these events, so there will be lines and waiting. And you will meet people waiting on-line. You will all have something in common, and stories to share. I know several people who met for the first time at the 40th reunion in Walnut Grove, who are great friends to this day! I predict that this will be the adventure of a lifetime and look forward to meeting all of you!
Prairie Tidbits
Lou Gossett Jr. (Henry Hill) – Lou Gossett Jr. played Henry Hill in the LHOTP episode “The Long Road Home”. He was also the first black man to win a Supporting Actor Oscar for his work in “An Officer and a Gentleman”. Lou passed away on March 29, 2024. Here’s an ‘In Memoriam’ item from FaceBook: Remembering Lou
Melissa Francis (Cassandra Cooper Ingalls) – Melissa (Missy) Francis played Cassandra Cooper Ingalls, adopted daughter of Charles and Caroline Ingalls, on LHOTP in 1981 & 1982. After her time as a child actor, she got a degree in economics from Harvard, spent many years as a broadcast journalist, wrote two bestselling books, and is now Founder and CEO of Sailfish Productions. And rumor has it that she will be appearing at one of the reunion events this year. Hope to see you there, Melissa!
David Friedman (Jason Carter) – David played Jason Carter in 18 episodes of LHOTP in 1982 & 1983, and in The Last Farewell in 1984. According to IMDB, he retired from acting at age 12, went to college in the San Diego area, and now works as a marketing consultant. He was with us recently in Simi Valley, and it was a wonderful time. He will be attending other reunion events this year, also. Good to see you again, David!
Leslie Landon (Miss Etta Plum) – Leslie played various roles, including Etta Plum, Kate, Leslie, Marge Loren, Pam, and Woman Sitting at The Church, in 20 episodes of LHOTP from 1975 to 1981. She is mostly remembered as Etta Plum, schoolteacher. She later obtained a Ph. D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is married with four children, including her eldest daughter, Rachel Mathews, who is also an actor. I met Leslie for I believe the first time at the event in Simi Valley. Great to meet you, Leslie!
The Saga of Sock Monkey (Chapter One Hundred Thirty )
Sock Monkey was hanging on for dear life! They were in a small bus on the highways (if you could call them highways!) of St. Maarten, and the driver was having a great time. (At least SOMEONE was!) They had met up with the Bears, and they were off on an adventure. Sock Monkey was not sure if he had been relieved or disappointed when he met the Bears. They had not been big snarly beasts, and they were not nude either, so that part was a relief. But he was a little disappointed that they were not real bears, they were . . well . . people! And nice people, at that! So here they were careening down the road with their luggage in the back of the bus, heading for the beach, or maybe dinner, then off to the cruise ship. The one Bear in the captain’s hat was holding a jug of red liquid and passing drinks around to everyone. (Sock monkey was not sure what all was in the drink, except for rum, and quite a lot of that!) At least the driver wasn’t drinking. They slid to a stop in front of what appeared to be just a shack on the beach. “C’mon, Monkey!”, cried Alison, “This is the most famous bar on the island!” Sock Monkey groaned as he staggered into the bar . . .
(To be continued . . . )
There you have it. The fourth Nellie Newsletter for 2024. Stay safe, mask up, wash up, get your booster shots, and be good to each other. And we’ll see you at the reunions!
As usual (Comme d’habitude), be good bonnet heads, and I’ll talk to you next month.
- Bob |
