For 27 years, Matt Coleman has been an integral part of the Walnut Grove Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, and he shows no signs of slowing down. This dedication is not just a hobby for Coleman; it's a family affair. In 1998, he first brought his children to the pageant, and the next year, his daughter, who was 12 at the time, wanted to be a part of it. This marked the beginning of a journey that has seen Coleman travel back and forth to Walnut Grove for the next two years, eventually joining the cast himself in 2000. What started as a way to spend time with his children has now become a significant part of his life, with Coleman claiming all those involved as his family.
Coleman's journey in the pageant has been a diverse one, with roles ranging from small parts with minimal dialogue to more prominent characters like Dr. Hoyt and the Rev. Alden. However, his favorite role has been that of Eleck Nelson, a saloon owner and close family friend to the Ingalls in the play. Nelson's most notable moment is saving Charles Ingalls from a prairie fire, a scene that adds a layer of historical accuracy to the performance.
The Wilder Pageant takes great care to stay true to the historical accuracy of the Ingalls family's life. The real-life Eleck Nelson's grave is in Walnut Grove, and the pageant strives to reflect the accuracy of the 'Little House on the Prairie' TV show. Coleman notes that the scripts are based on stories Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote, with each script covering a year or year and a half of the Ingalls' lives.
Despite the challenges of the long daily commute, Coleman finds the experience worthwhile. The cast and crew have become like a second family, and he has witnessed the growth of many actors from childhood to adulthood. He has seen them graduate, get married, and start their own families, making it a truly special experience. Coleman's dedication to the pageant is a testament to the power of community and the joy of watching others grow.
The pageant's first performance is on Friday, with subsequent performances on July 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25. The gates open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 9 p.m., lasting approximately two hours. Coleman's story is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful experiences in life are those that bring people together and create lasting bonds.
