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. His journey with the pageant began in 1998 when he first took his children to witness the spectacle. The following year, his daughter, who was just 12, expressed a desire to be a part of it. Coleman made the commitment to drive back and forth from Marshall to Walnut Grove for the next two years to support her. By 2000, he decided to join the cast himself, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Coleman's dedication has seen him portray a diverse range of characters, from small roles with minimal dialogue to more prominent figures like Dr. Hoyt and the Rev. Alden. However, it's his portrayal of Eleck Nelson, a saloon owner and close friend to the Ingalls family, that has become his favorite. Nelson's pivotal role in saving Charles Ingalls from a prairie fire is a highlight of the play, and it's a part that Coleman has played for the last 15 years.
What makes this experience truly special is the historical accuracy of the pageant. The real-life Eleck Nelson's grave is located in Walnut Grove, and Coleman has even visited it. While some elements of Nelson's life in the 'Little House on the Prairie' TV show are fictionalized, the pageant strives to stay true to the facts. Coleman notes that each script is based on a year or year and a half of Laura Ingalls Wilder's life, adding depth and authenticity to the performance.
Over the years, Coleman has witnessed the growth and development of many actors in the pageant. He has seen them go from 6-year-olds to graduates, and even to married couples. This has created a deep sense of family among the cast and crew, and Coleman considers them his second family. He reflects on the joy of watching these actors grow up and the pride he feels in being a part of their lives.
Despite the challenges, such as a raccoon crossing the stage during a live performance or a horse with a full-sized buggy running off, Coleman believes the experience is worth it. The sense of community and the opportunity to be a part of something special make it all worthwhile. As the pageant continues this year, with performances on July 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25, Coleman is eager to continue his role, sharing his love for the story and the people who bring it to life.
