When the cast and crew of Little House on the Prairie, The Musical arrive in Fayetteville for a string of performances next week, they’ll do a lot more than entertain audiences at the Walton Arts Center.

The company members of the musical have teamed up with Habitat for Humanity of Washington County to help build a house next Thursday, Jan. 7, at 2608 S. Haddon Avenue in Fayetteville.

The build is part of a nationwide effort between Habitat for Humanity International and Little House on the Prairie, The Musical to raise awareness about the need for affordable housing.

“We are excited to work with Little House on the Prairie, the Musical,” said Habitat for Humanity of Washington County Executive Director, Wendi Jones. “We appreciate the cast and crew for helping us raise awareness of the need for more affordable housing.”

Throughout its 34-week, 26-city tour, Little House on the Prairie, The Musical will make a minimum donation of $1,500 per market to the work of Habitat for Humanity through June 2010. In addition, the cast and crew will help local Habitat for Humanity affiliates build homes in each location.

Melissa Gilbert, who played the lead role of Laura Ingalls in the Little House on the Prairie television series, and who will now be playing the role of Ma Ingalls in the traveling production, will be assisting with the local build.

“As we travel across the country during the next year, we are looking forward to getting involved in a variety of ways in each city to do our part to aid in Habitat’s mission to bring affordable housing to those in need,” Gilbert said.

Little House on the Prairie, The Musical opens at the Walton Arts Center on Jan. 5.

UPDATE: 1/6/10 1:17pm
If Fayetteville Public Schools are closed, this event will be canceled, according to Walton Arts Center representatives.