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. He first brought his children to the pageant in 1998, and the next year, his daughter, who was just 12, expressed her desire to act in it. This marked the beginning of a journey that has seen Coleman travel back and forth to Walnut Grove for the next two years, and eventually, he decided to join the cast himself in 2000. Since then, he has played a variety of roles, from small parts with minimal dialogue to more prominent characters like Dr. Hoyt and Rev. Alden. However, it's his portrayal of Eleck Nelson, a saloon owner and close family friend to the Ingalls, that has become his favorite.
What makes Coleman's involvement in the pageant so remarkable is the historical accuracy it maintains. The real-life Eleck Nelson, after whom the character is named, has a grave in Walnut Grove, which Coleman has visited. While many elements of the Ingalls family's life in the "Little House on the Prairie" TV show are fictionalized, the pageant strives to stay true to the historical record. Coleman notes that each script is based on a year or year and a half of the Ingalls' lives in Walnut Grove, and this attention to detail is what keeps the pageant so engaging.
Over the years, Coleman has witnessed the growth of many actors in the pageant, from the time they were just 6 years old until they graduated from college and got married. He has become a mentor and a friend to these actors, and they have become a second family to him. Despite the 40-minute drive back and forth every day, Coleman says it's all worth it for the experience. He has seen the actors grow up, get invited to their graduations and weddings, and has become a part of their lives.
One memorable moment Coleman shared occurred during a live performance when a raccoon darted across the outdoor stage. Coleman says they were lucky, and it looked like part of the performance. However, another incident involved a horse with a full-sized buggy that got spooked and started running off. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it was a close call. These moments, along with the historical accuracy and the strong sense of community, make the Walnut Grove Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant a unique and special event.
As the pageant continues this year, with performances on July 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25, Coleman is excited to continue his role in it. For him, it's not just about the acting; it's about the history, the community, and the family he has found in the cast and crew. In my opinion, the Walnut Grove Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant is a testament to the power of community and the enduring legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder. It's a place where history comes alive, and where the past is celebrated through the dedication and passion of people like Matt Coleman.
