"A Little House Christmas" is a beautiful and charming alternative to such well known standards as "A Christmas Carol."

Evolving into an annual event at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, "A Little House Christmas" is a beautiful and charming alternative to such well known standards as "A Christmas Carol." It is set in the late 19th century in rural Kansas.

A small but loving family, the Ingalls family shares a small cabin across the river from the town. Christmas is fast approaching and excitement and anticipation fills the air. In advance of the Christmas holiday the family gathers with friends for some square dancing and fun. "Square dancing" anyone under 40 might ponder, what the heck is that? Well onstage at the Sierra Madre Playhouse you will see it magnificently portrayed.

But the party is interrupted when a heavy rain begins to fall. The river separating the tiny cabin from the nearby town begins to swell and the guests have to depart early or risk having the bridge being washed away barring their return home. Only seconds after the visitors have successfully crossed the bridge it indeed does get swept away severely isolating the Ingalls family in their cabin.

With Christmas fast approaching the Ingalls family is in crisis.

Pa is out seeking a way to get across the river for much needed supplies. The Christmas tree remains untrimmed and the realization begins to emerge that maybe this Christmas will be a sad disaster. Is it possible that under their deeply distressed circumstance Santa Claus might not even show up this year, and where is dad?

Then moved by the spirit of the season the girls, Mary and Laura, find a way to bring a little Christmas joy to their family. Then there is a huge, very much unexpected and extremely happy surprise. It is a great story very well told of family and love and a good heart overcoming substantial adversity. Watching the story unfold on stage at the Sierra Madre Playhouse is a great way to elevate your personal Christmas spirit.

The acting was first class all around as was the singing, but to my ear the vocal performances by Rachel McLaughlin are particularly powerful and enjoyable. "A Little House Christmas" runs now through December 23rd 2016 with show times Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.

There will also be Saturday matinees at 2:30 p.m. December 10th and 17th and additional performances at 8:00 p.m. December 20th through the 22nd. Reservations may be made by calling 626-355-4318 and online ticketing is available at: http://www.sierramadreplayhouse.org. Sierra Madre is a beautiful and charming town just a wee bit east of Pasadena. It offers several fine restaurants and ample free parking directly behind the theatre assuring abundant opportunity for a truly great time.