Orlando Shakespeare Theater Presents The Family Musical Miss Nelson Is Missing

Aug. 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF (OST) continues its 2011-2012 Theater for Young Audiences Series (TYA) with the delightfully unruly kids of Room 207.  This musical classroom comedy is for rowdy children everywhere who must face the most terrifying of substitutes – Miss Viola Swamp!  Head back to school with MISS NELSON IS MISSING, playing at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center from October 20 through November 19, 2011

Miss Nelson's rude and boisterous students are misbehaving AGAIN! But the students of Room 207 are in for a surprise when Miss Nelson is replaced by Viola Swamp, the scariest substitute teacher ever. Where did Miss Nelson go and will she ever return? Kids will enjoy this modern, witty musical while teachers and parents will love the values of respect and generosity it teaches.

The musical is based on the book, MISS NELSON IS MISSING, the first in the wildly popular children’s trilogy by Harry Allard and James Marshall.  In the second installment, MISS NELSON IS BACK, the kids of Room 207 endure the antics of yet another interesting substitute teacher.  Miss Viola Swamp returns in MISS NELSON HAS A FIELD DAY, completing the series.  

Orlando Shakes staged its first production of MISS NELSON IS MISSING to sold-out houses in 2005, followed by MISS NELSON HAS A FIELD DAY in 2006. OST is thrilled to bring Miss Nelson, the kids from Room 207, and yes, even the menacing Miss Viola Swamp, back to the Lowndes Shakespeare Center.

In addition to public performances at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, Orlando Shakes offers an opportunity for families to delve deeper into the story through fun and interactive story times. Led by members of the cast of MISS NELSON IS MISSING, these engaging 20-minute readings are an excellent precursor to the performance. Everyone attending will have a chance to win free tickets to attend a performance of MISS NELSON at Orlando Shakespeare Theater.
• Tuesday, October 11 at 10:30AM – Pottery Barn Kids in the Mall at Millenia (4200 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL 32839)
• Saturday, October 22 at 10AM - Barnes & Noble in the Colonial Plaza Market Place (2418 E Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803)

Single tickets and TYA Flex Passes are available by calling (407) 447-1700 or online at http://www.orlandoshakes.org/ and in person at the Box Office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando’s Loch Haven Cultural Park.

Orlando Shakes also offers student matinees specifically for schools and day cares. Learn more about the student matinees at http://www.orlandoshakes.org/tickets/school-field-trips.html. Buy 10 tickets, get the 11th FREE!

The 2011-2012 Theater for Young Audiences Series is made possible by the City of Orlando. Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts campaign and by State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council.

WHAT
MISS NELSON IS MISSING
Adapted from the book by Harry Allard & James Marshall
Book, Music & Lyrics by Joan Cushing

WHERE
Orlando Shakespeare Theater in the Margeson Theater
Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803

WHEN
October 20 – November 19, 2011 – ON SALE NOW!
Autograph session after each weekend performance!

DATES AND PRICES
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:15AM and 12PM – all seats $9
Wednesday at 10:30AM – all seats $9
Saturday at 2:00PM – all seats $10
Sunday at 4:30PM – all seats $10

WEBSITE:
Please visit http://www.orlandoshakes.org/pr for recent press releases, more information about the cast, and upcoming special events. Please contact Melissa Mason, Director of Marketing at 407-447-1700 ext. 215 or melissam@orlandoshakes.org for further details or to arrange for individual interviews.

PHOTO CREDITS:
Production photos will be online by October 19, 2011 at http://www.flickr.com/orlandoshakes.

ABOUT THEATER FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES (TYA)
Since 2002, Orlando Shakespeare Theater has provided quality productions for young people and their families.  The Theater for Young Audience 2011-2012 Series opened with the classic fairy tale, SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS, which played to sold-out houses. The season continues in October with a musical adaptation of MISS NELSON IS MISSING from October 20 to November 19, 2011 and CHARLOTTE’S WEB from March 29 to April 29, 2012.  Single tickets and TYA Flex Passes are available now at http://www.orlandoshakes.org or by phone (407) 447-1700.

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Now celebrating its 23rd season, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF has grown into one of the region’s most acclaimed Equity theaters producing bold professional theater in Central Florida. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director Shannon Lacek, Orlando Shakespeare Theater continues to achieve the highest standards, while preserving its artistic and cultural legacy. Through PlayFest! The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays, Orlando Shakespeare Theater is nationally recognized for its contribution to the development of new plays. Orlando Shakes also provides innovative educational experiences through its youth education programming, serving over 25,000 young people, families, and schools annually.