Jensen sisters have role in Wilder Pageant
Two Springfield girls have roles in the 2015 Wilder Pageant, the family-oriented outdoor drama based on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder in Walnut Grove.
It’s a dream come true for Abigail, 8, and Brooke, 12, daughters of Elaine and Lonny Jensen.
Abigail is cast as Alice Kennedy in the first act. In the second half she plays the role of Grace Ingalls.
Brooke is cast as Edwina Nelson. She also has her cow and calf in the farm scene.
The girls became interested in the pageant several years ago when their uncle and aunt, Ken and Kami Parker of Milroy, were involved as members of the crew — Ken with set and Kami with sound effects. “Their kids were in the pageant for years,” said Elaine Jensen.
Every summer in recent years, Brooke and Abigail, have attended the pageant — sometimes with their parents, other times with grandparents, Lenis and Roxie Roiger. They also enjoy camping with family on the Banks of Plum Creek. The family spends weekends there during the pageant.
This season, Elaine is also involved in the crew, working with props; and Grandpa Lenis is working with the set.
Weekday evenings since June 8, the girls have been rehearsing with the full cast at the pageant site. After the day’s work, Elaine and the girls have a bite to eat and then head for Walnut Grove.
The Wilder Pageant is a live performance with all local characters. A narrator tells Laura’s story, reflecting on her life in Walnut Grove in the 1870s.The Wilder Pageant is presented every July on the banks of Plum Creek west of Walnut Grove. The hillside amphitheater has been developed to allow for extensive lighting, sound, and special effects
The pageant opens Friday evening, July 10. Gates open at 7 o’clock. The Pageant Singers entertain at 8:00; and the pageant performance begins at 9:00. The pageant will play Friday and Saturday evenings July 10 and 11, July 17 and 18, and July 24 and 25. Tickets can be purchased online at wilderpageant.org/store, or at the gate before performances.
Brooke and Abigail are eager to perform. “It’s very fun,” says Abigail.
Brooke says the fire scene and the grasshopper scenes are most exciting.
Abigail is excited to ride in a covered wagon. “I really like to ride the wagon out in the end,” she says