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 the year 2000.
What makes Coleman's involvement so remarkable is his commitment to the roles he plays. He started with small parts and gradually moved up, taking on roles like Dr. Hoyt and Rev. Alden. However, his favorite role has been Eleck Nelson, a saloon owner and close family friend to the Ingalls, for the past 15 years. Nelson's most notable moment in the play is saving Charles Ingalls from a prairie fire, a scene that Coleman has performed with dedication and passion.
The Wilder Pageant is unique in that it stays true to historical accuracy, and the real-life Eleck Nelson's grave in Walnut Grove is a testament to this. Coleman has even visited Nelson's grave, adding a personal touch to his experience. The pageant's scripts are based on stories written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and each year, Coleman and the cast bring these stories to life.
One of the most memorable moments Coleman has experienced was during a live performance when a raccoon darted across the stage. He recalls thinking that it looked like part of the performance, and the cast was lucky to have such an unexpected guest. 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.
Despite the daily 40-minute drive, 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 been invited to graduations and weddings of the actors he has worked with, and he finds it rewarding to see the kids grow up.
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 pageant begins at 9 p.m., lasting approximately two hours. Coleman's passion for the pageant and his dedication to his roles have made him an integral part of the community, and his presence is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Laura Ingalls Wilder stories.
