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Alison Arngrim Home Page

Nellie Newsletter

3/8/24
 
Greetings from soggy California! (Wait, shouldn’t that read ‘sunny’?) Well, no, not this week anyway. So last week we had two rainstorms. Today it is raining, should clear up tomorrow. Then there is another one predicted for next week! Enough, already! Last week Lake Tahoe got about 7 feet of snow. Yep, that’s feet, not inches.
 
So, things are pretty peaceful around here lately. Alison is in France, and she took that pesky Sock Monkey with her! Yep, no one to torment the cats, no one looking over my shoulder as I write the Newsletter, no sarcastic comments after each paragraph, peaceful. Peaceful. (I can’t wait until they get back!)
 
So, what’s been going on? Well, Alison did the 37th Annual St. Louis Working Women’s Show, and I hear she had a great time. (She especially loved doing her cooking show live on stage!) And she brought back what seemed like a million sheets of new sign-ups for the Newsletter! Welcome New Readers!!!
 
And then she went to France. She’s done two shows already and has one more to go. She’ll be back in a couple of weeks.

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. But really, we’re entering the year of the 50th anniversary, so don’t count on more of them anytime soon!
 
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   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. Not sure who Alison’s next guest will be. 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: Past Episodes  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 . . .
 
Like I said, she’s currently in France. Elle présentera son nouveau spectacle « Nellie Oleson Enflame Les Années 80 » Voici le programme :
 

Samedi 9 mars 2024, 20h30
SAINT-JEAN-LA-POTERIE (Morbihan)
Renseignements / Réservations :  02 99 71 19 03 / 06 60 15 67 51
 
CONTACT PRO (MÉDIAS / ORGANISATEURS) :  06 21 81 10 66 ou edson@free.fr
 
Un spectacle en français, plein de rires, d’énergie et de surprises, suivi, comme toujours, d’une très longue séance amicale de dédicaces et photos. Venez faire la fête avec Alison et Patrick (20 ans d’amitié, dont 15 ans en duo sur scène) ! Et le site internet : Alison France
 
As soon as she returns, she will be joining the gang at the LHOTP 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion and Festival in Simi Valley. This will be March 22, 23 & 24th. More details below.
 
 
THIS JUST IN !!! Ever wanted to see what she does when she’s in France? Well, now you have a chance. For the first time ever, Alison, with her French partner in crime, Patrick Loubatiere, will present “Nellie Oleson Enflamme Les Annes 80!” for two nights only. This will be at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre, 91024, on March 25 & 26 at 8:00 pm. (Yep, same place she did Confessions. Love that Theatre!) They are coming straight from a sold-out tour of France. Well, they’re stopping in Simi Valley first, but you know what I mean. This will be the same show, same cast, and same crew as her French productions. (Well, of course it's in French, silly!) Tickets are $25 and are available here:  French Show Tickets    For more information e-mail: info@sierramadreplayhouse.org.  Tickets just went on sale today, and this will sell out. But let me remind you, last time I told you something would sell out and you didn’t listen, several people could not get tickets, and missed it! So, word to the wise, n’est-ce pas? Did I mention the whole thing is in French? Completely, all French, no subtitles.
 
Next up, Alison and the group will be returning to Patti's 1880's Settlement in Grand Rivers, KY, for The Prairie Days - A 50th LHOTP Cast Anniversary Celebration on April 5th-7th. LHOTP cast members already confirmed to attend include: Alison, Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle), Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace), Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose), David Friedman (Jason Carter), Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter), Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder), Olivia Barash(Sylvia Webb) & Dan McBride (Henry Riley). And there may be more. Here is the link to the notice on FaceBook: Prairie Days   There’s going to be a Friday Night Little House Murder Mystery Dinner (limited to 90 people), a VIP Saturday & Sunday Breakfast (limited to 90 people) and 3 days of meet & greet sessions. Tickets for the meet and greet: $12 ($6 for children under 12), Murder Mystery Dinner: $175, VIP Breakfasts: $100. Tickets can be found at: Prairie Days Tickets

Then 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 Festival
 
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 Tickets are $33, and can be purchased here:  Venus 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:  Beechman Website  And here’s the link for Spin Cycle: Spin Cycle
Tickets are available here:  Beechman 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!
 
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 thru 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: Prairie Days Tickets 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.
 
Next up on my calendar, so far at least, 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 Tickets  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?

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 - Carrie Days
 
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 Encore
 
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    So, how is Prince Albert nowadays, anyway?? 

  2.  Tennessee. Seems like you usually only get Nellie at Christmas. Should we change that?

  3.  Louisville. Had any Nellie lately? Want some??

Miscellaneous

French Article – Here’s an article on Alison’s French show from a French website: Alison in France
 
Walnut Groovy – Here’s the Walnut Groovy interview with Alison. Or rather, a transcription of it. Which is OK, because you get all the pictures. Here’s the link: Walnut Groovy
 
People’s Choice – This is a video of the cast of LHOTP winning the People’s Choice Award in 1979. Michael Landon makes an acceptance speech. Here it is: People's Choice
 
Prairie Memories – This is a book written by Patrick Loubatière. This is one of his few books (I think) written in English. Here’s the link: Prairie Memories
 
Katherine MacGregor Forever – This is one of Patrick’s books in French, an in-depth interview with Katherine MacGregor. Here’s the link: Katherine Forever
 
Working Women’s Show – To see how much fun Alison had at this event, check this out: Women's Show

Maintaining our lives in the age of COVID-19 – JN.1, a subvariant of Omicron, is currently the most prevalent variant,  accounting for roughly 86% of new cases in the US, and is the most widely spread world-wide. It appears that the usual means of vaccination, detection, and treatment are effective against this strain. It also appears to be no more contagious, and cause no more severe symptoms, than previous strains.
 
So, how do we protect ourselves? Well, to show how little things have changed in this area, here are the most recently recommended precautions: “All people, but especially those in high-risk categories, are urged to take precautions by wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and washing their hands. And if you're sick stay home." Sound familiar, hmmm?
 
You will recognize me as the guy in the mask standing 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, the first one out of the gate, and well ahead of the pack at this point, is the 50th Anniversary in Simi Valley. Check out their website: Simi Website   The event is now titled "Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion & Festival". From the website: “This 3-day festival, interactive experience, and tour celebrates the iconic television series, offering fans a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of all things Little House.” Tickets are now available on the website, and range from $15 to $200, depending on what you’re looking for. I know between this one and Walnut Grove, fans are coming in from all over the world. And many of the cast members will be there. I’m not sure exactly who or how many, but I know for sure that Alison is going. And the website lists them all. (“Me too!”, cried Sock Monkey.) Yeah, well, see you there, Monkey!
 
Update: Simi Valley Bus Tours are all currently sold out. One Day General Admission passes are still available. One Day VIP passes are currently sold out, with a waiting list. Three Day General Admission passes are still available. Three Day VIP Passes are currently sold out, with a waiting list.
 
Walnut Grove – Walnut Grove is planning a 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion also, but they’re being very stingy with details. It will be on July 19 – 21, 2024, and their committee is still ‘working out the details’. From their Facebook page: “Tickets for all events will not go on sale until after January 1st, 2024. The actual release dates and prices will be published well in advance for individual events.” You can get the latest here from Paul Valenti:  Valenti Viewpoint
 
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 Watertown, 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: Watertown CT
 
Rumored additional events include: Northeast Ohio, and 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 since this is the beginning of the 50th Anniversary events, like this month, here are messages from the group:
 
From Dean Butler –  “The biggest Little House on the Prairie event since the series itself will take place in Simi Valley, CA from March 22-24, 2024. The Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion and Festival <Festival Website> is going to be a Little House love-fest and I hope fans of our show will come celebrate with the largest gathering of Little House cast in over 30 years. While there will be lots of noteworthy celebrations this year for fans all across America, there will be no bigger, better-covered, or consequential Little House event during this 50th Anniversary year than Simi Valley. We hope to see you there.  The Little House Fifty for 50 Podcast <Podcast> with Alison Arngrim, me, and Little House Super-Fan Pamela Bob presented by the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce is all over our event in March and all the Little House happenings of 2024. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at OfficialDeanButler  #LittleHouseForever”
 
From Pamela Bob – “I'm thrilled to be participating in the Simi Valley 50th Anniversary event this month, moderating panels and seeing you at the Livin' On a Prairie table! Join me on TikTok @livinonaprairie and Instagram @PrairieTV - I will be answering some questions that you have emailed or left in the comments for the 50 for Fifty Podcast, as well as showing some behind-the-scenes action at Simi Valley, fun Prairie business, and beyond! You can listen to the podcast here: Podcast and can watch Livin' On a Prairie here: Livin On A Prairie  We're having a blast, and hope you are too! 

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:
  1. Cast lists are constantly changing, and even those listed the day before the event may have to cancel last minute. Be patient, be flexible, be prepared.
  2. 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.
  3. Don’t count on lodging being available. Again, plan ahead, or you may be sleeping on the street! (Not advisable!)
  4. Parking will be a nightmare, no matter how you slice it. Plan ahead, arrive early, be patient.
  5. Recommend that you bring cash. Some people take credit cards, but many do not. And ATMs won’t always be available.
       6. 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
 
Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder) – Jennifer will see all of you at many of the events listed above, and she has written a book! Her book, “More Than Just The Prairie”, will come out on April 1, and is now available for pre-order on Barnes & Noble: Pre-Order Nice going, Jennifer! See you in Simi!
 
 
(Please Note: The editor of Prairie Tidbits is going on vacation now and will be back in his usual fine form next month. Sorry about that!)

The Saga of Sock Monkey (Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Nine )
So, the Pirate Museum won out. And they had a great time! Sock Monkey wore his pirate outfit, and they posed on the deck of a pirate ship, steering away and yelling “Ahoy, Matey!“ They took turns having their picture taken in the brig, behind bars and looking miserable. They spent hours poring over old pirate maps, displays of recovered sunken treasure and model pirate ships. And they hung out with the museum’s resident Pirate! (Probably an out of work actor from Hollywood!) She was pretty good, as Pirates go. She even taught Sock Monkey to talk like a pirate! He had his one phrase: “Aaargh! Dems wut dies be da lucky ones!” He was going to be ready for National Talk Like A Pirate Day this year! (September 19th, dontcha know!) “Monkey!”, said Alison, “Let’s head for the bar and grab a cup of grog before we go. Don’t want to keep the Bears waiting!” Sock Monkey paused. He was trying to picture a bunch of impatient nude bears. He was not pleased! “Bartender, over here!”
(To be continued . . . )

There you have it. The third 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


copyright 2023 Alison Arngrim