Original "Little House on the Prairie" Star Praises Netflix Reboot's Musical Elements
Dean Butler, a prominent figure from the beloved original series "Little House on the Prairie," has openly endorsed the Netflix adaptation, praising its unique musical aspects. Butler, known for his portrayal of Almanzo Wilder, Laura Ingalls' husband, on the NBC show from 1979 to 1983, expressed his admiration for how the new series incorporates family singing, a element he feels truly embodies the essence of Laura Ingalls Wilder's literary works.
During a recent social media video, Butler articulated his appreciation for the musical components interwoven throughout the new production. He pointed out that while the original series featured singing primarily in church settings, the updated version beautifully integrates songs performed by the family, reminiscent of Pa playing his fiddle. Butler emphasized that this musical inclusion aligns perfectly with the descriptive nature of Laura's books, where music was a significant part of their daily lives.
The Netflix adaptation deviates from the original television series by adhering more closely to Laura Ingalls Wilder's cherished children's books, which chronicle her frontier childhood and were initially published in the 1930s. The classic TV show, which captivated audiences with its ensemble cast including Melissa Gilbert as Laura, Michael Landon as Pa, and Karen Grassle as Ma, often took creative liberties, introducing fictional storylines. The new series aims for a more authentic representation of the written narrative.
Butler remains an active advocate for the "Little House on the Prairie" legacy, co-hosting the official 50th Anniversary Podcast with Alison Arngrim, who famously played Nellie Oleson. His continued involvement underscores the enduring impact of the series on both its original cast and a new generation of viewers. He shared his delight in the new series' production quality, calling the visuals "gorgeous" and the cast "appealing." For Butler, the music has been a particular highlight, and he expressed a desire for it to feature even more prominently as the series progresses.
The Netflix series, which began streaming on July 9, also garnered praise from Alison Arngrim. Arngrim herself made a surprise appearance in the second episode, portraying an enigmatic woman encountered by young Laura (Alice Halsey) and Mary (Skywalker Hughes). She enthusiastically affirmed the cast's talent in an interview with Tudum this month. Furthermore, Arngrim expressed her excitement about Willa Dunn stepping into the iconic role of Nellie for the show's second season, commending Dunn as a "perfectly nice little girl" who will undoubtedly excel in the role.
The newly launched "Little House on the Prairie" is currently available for streaming on Netflix, inviting both long-time fans and new audiences to experience a fresh interpretation of the classic frontier saga, with its celebrated musical elements and strong performances.
