Caddie Woodlawn

By Tom Shelton and Susan C. Hunter

Directed by Ann Holmes

“In 1935 Carol Ryrie Brink wrote the Newberry Award winning novel, CADDIE WOODLAWN, based on the stories of Caroline Woodhouse (“Caddie”), a pioneer child settling the wilderness of Wisconsin in the mid 1800’s. Now CADDIE WOODLAWN has been brought to the stage in an exuberant musical written by Susan C. Hunter and Tom Shelton.” (Susan Hunter is the granddaughter of Carol Ryrie Brink, who in turn was the granddaughter of the real-life Caddie!)

“Caddie (the iconic, high-spirited Wisconsin pioneer girl beloved by generations of readers) leads her willing siblings in a series of thrilling adventures, not always with the approval of her traditional Bostonian mother. Her father, however, encourages her antics, that she might thrive amidst the new, tougher ways of the west. In a dramatic climax, Caddie single-handedly diffuses a potentially deadly clash between the terrified settlers and the local Dakota tribe through a daring and dangerous act. But her action only deepens her conflict with her mother. Ultimately, Caddie learns invaluable lessons about reconciling the head-strong child she's been, and the responsible adult she is soon to be. Through it all, the sacredness of tradition -- passed from one generation to the next -- is powerfully dramatized. As one wise friend tells Caddie: "families -- they're our link to forever, lass."

“Caddie Woodlawn” received the Landers Theater Prize in 1991 for Best New Family Musical. It has been produced all over the country, including First Stage Milwaukee, a leading professional children's theater company, and, most recently, in Caddie's home town of Menomonie, Wisconsin, at the Historic Mabel Tainter Theatre.”

Produced by First Wing Family Theatre at Lake Mills High School Auditorium, 615 Catlin Dr., Lake Mills, WI

Performances: June 28-29, 2013

Performance Times: June 28, 7:00 p.m., and June 29, 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Ticket Prices: Adults - $10, Seniors/Students $8.

Call 608-764-5267 for reservations or more information.

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