Melissa Gilbert is tackling a new project in the months ahead that will be a big change of pace from her “When Calls the Heart” and “Little House on the Prairie” characters. Gilbert last appeared on Hallmark’s “When Calls the Heart,” playing the character of Georgie McGill. Now, she is headed to the theater.
Melissa Gilbert Will Star Off-Broadway in ‘Pen Pals’
On October 1, Playbill shared the latest news on Gilbert’s career. She will be joining the Off-Broadway production of “Pen Pals” for a limited run.
As Playbill noted, “Pen Pals” has a rotating cast, and Gilbert is the latest to tap in for a short period of time. She will perform in the production from December 23 to January 4, 2026.
Others doing the show in the coming months include “Desperate Housewives” alum Marcia Cross, “The Brady Bunch” star Maureen McCormick, “Andi Mack” alum Emily Skinner, “NYPD Blue” star Sharon Lawrence, and former “Trading Spaces” personality Paige Davis.
Several of the upcoming “Pen Pals” performers have Hallmark ties, in addition to Gilbert. Davis co-hosted “Home and Family” for a while, and Lawrence starred in “The Christmas House.” In addition, McCormick had a role in Hallmark’s “Christmas Land.”
“Pen Pals” is described as “the extraordinary story of two friends that unfolds over decades.” Based on a true story, the production’s website describes the storyline: “Bernie and Mags live in two different countries, they’ve never met, and yet they’re best friends. Because they’ve been pen pals for over fifty years.”
Gilbert’s Fans Are Excited for Her
Gilbert’s run in “Pen Pals” will be with Veanne Cox, who has appeared in projects such as “Only Murders in the Building,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “You’ve Got Mail,” and “Erin Brockovich.”
Fans of Gilbert’s were thrilled to learn the news of her theater gig. On Instagram, many commented with strings of positive emojis, and one “Little House on the Prairie” fan gushed, “Omg I feel a trip to NY coming on to see you in this!”
Another fan commented, “Omg I’m going to meet you this time. I missed you in New York last time but no way am I missing you this time Melissa. I need to see you so bad.”
The ‘Little House’ Alum Is Also Returning to ‘When Calls the Heart’
In early September, Gilbert shared a teaser about “When Comes the Heart” via her Instagram page. She had previously revealed she would return for some season 13 episodes. More recently, she gushed, “I got a chair!!! No longer just ‘cast.’ Yeeeeeeehaw!”
Gilbert’s Hallmark return is welcome news for many “When Calls the Heart” fans.
One fan shared, “I am excited to see how Georgie’s character and story line develop in Hope Valley!”
Another added, “Cannot wait to see Georgie and Bill’s story continue.”
