PHILADELPHIA, PA: Everyone's favorite teacher is back in Walnut Street Theatre's all-new production of Miss Nelson is Missing! This entertaining musical adaptation is based on the hilarious and inspirational children's book by Harry Allard. You'll find Miss Nelson is Missing! on stage from March 28th through April 20th, 2012. Walnut Street Theatre for Kids is affordable for families big and small with tickets that are only $10-$15 each.
Miss Nelson is Missing! tells the classic story of what happens when Miss Nelson mysteriously disappears after the unruly kids in room 207 continue to take advantage of her good nature. Only when faced with a terrible substitute, Viola Swamp, do the kids realize how much they miss their beloved teacher. Will Miss Nelson ever return or will the students of Room 207 be stuck with Viola Swamp forever? Audiences will try to solve the mystery as they look for clues in Miss Nelson is Missing!, live on stage at Walnut Street Theatre.
"Audiences had so much fun with our 2005 production of Miss Nelson is Missing!, we felt it was only fair to produce the show again so that a whole new generation of kids can enjoy this incredible story with their families," said Tom Quinn, Walnut Street Theatre's Director of Education. Due to popular demand, three performances of the production have already been added to the run.
The Miss Nelson series has enthralled young readers for over 30 years. Writer Harry Allard reveals the effects of misbehaving and good discipline in his funny, no-nonsense story-telling. The Walnut's adaptation of Miss Nelson is Missing! will have kids of all ages howling with laughter as they discover the thrilling results of learning what it means to appreciate what you have.
Walnut Street Theatre is delighted to welcome back director David Stradley after having directed the popular production of A Christmas Carol in 2009. As a director, actor and arts administrator, Stradley has extensive experience in nearly every aspect of theatre - including education. As a former teacher, Stradley is determined to bring his love of the classroom to life in this exciting story about students and teachers. He is joined by Musical/Vocal Director Mark Yurkanin and Choreographer Jenn Rose.
Returning to the role of Miss Nelson for a third time having appeared in the WST for Kids productions of Miss Nelson is Missing! in 2005 and Miss Nelson Takes a Field Day in 2007 is Bryn Mawr, PA resident and Walnut Street Theatre School teaching artist, Heidi Hayes.
The lively students in Room 207 will be played by WST Acting Apprentices Dominic Santos, Samantha Joy Pearlman, Nate Golden and Lauren Fitzgerald. This school year to-date, these Acting Apprentices have entertained nearly 60,000 students in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys while performing in Walnut Street Theatre's Touring Outreach Company. They were last seen on the Walnut's Mainstage in Walnut Street Theatre for Kids' holiday production of A Christmas Carol. Also joining the cast is Philadelphia actor, Derrick L. Millard II.
The Walnut Street Theatre for Kids Series is celebrated for its commitment to encouraging parents (and grandparents) to read to their kids. Families can read together, and then discover a whole new level of imagination when they see the shows live onstage. The Walnut takes pride in bringing families together through reading and the arts.
Miss Nelson is Missing! is an ideal outing for every elementary classroom and family. The April 12th 10:30 am performance is ASL interpreted. Group discounts are available for groups of fifteen or more. For tickets and information, call Walnut Street Theatre's box office at 215-574-3550 or visit www.WalnutStreetTheatre,org. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster online or by calling 215-336-1234.
