Article:9875; Posted: June 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.

The music group Passenger’s 2012 hit song tells us “You only love her when you let her go,” a lesson the students in Miss Nelson’s class learn during the Tibbits Opera House children’s play, “Miss Nelson is Missing” in their Popcorn Theater series.

One student, Raymond, even tells Miss Nelson he hates her when she’s there, only to confess later, once she’s gone missing, that he loves her.

“Miss Nelson is Missing” is a play that works best for school children, though all ages were present. It opens in a classroom with seven students who are running roughshod over their teacher, Miss Nelson (Diane Long). They are so undisciplined that learning is impossible and Principal Humleker (Dougie Robbins) is eager for them all to get A’s on the big standardized test the next Monday.

The students are a colorful bunch. Raymond (Ben Shimkas) is the nerdy kid whose face is buried in a journal and always getting picked on by the other children. Phoebe (Rachel Doone) is always ill and spends most her time throwing up. George Jorgenson Jr. (William Rivera) is the jock while Lavita (Nikki Ferrara) is the insolent, gum chewing girl whose favorite word is “whatever.” Morris/Mouse (Jacob Covert) struggles with all things academic and spars with George for leadership of the “gang.” Kimberly (Holly Fuller) is going to be a supermodel and excels at striking poses and taking care of her hair. Elvis (Stuart Kofron) lives up to his name and often speaks in song lyrics, from Elvis, of course.

Together they drive Miss Nelson to distraction, and show little respect for her. In fact, it takes them a half hour to notice she’s missing on Tuesday until a substitute teacher comes in—Miss Viola Swamp. She is strict where Miss Nelson was lenient and quick to give out homework and detention.

By the end of the week with Miss Swamp, the students are missing Miss Nelson and ready to go out searching for her—with the help of Detective McSmogg (Vince Orabona).

“Miss Nelson” has many of the traits that make a children’s play successful. There are chases through the audience and interaction with the children during those chases. Costume Designer Cheyenne Smith paints with primary colors that keep things bright. The story is based on a children’s picture book—which was available for sale at the theater’s store.

The play is directed by Trinity Bird and he encourages his cast to go big with this show. There is never a lagging moment, as befitting theater for young people.

There are plenty of clues about what happened to Miss Nelson, but the play never completely gives it away. Kids who figure it out will feel clever—as might adults who go looking for the bio of Elizabeth Short, the actress credited with playing Miss Swamp.

“Miss Nelson is Missing” is a high energy play with a cast that works together splendidly to entertain young people. And in the end, the students realize how much they love Miss Nelson and all is put to rights.

Run time: 10 a.m. to 11:25 with an intermission for free popcorn and juice.

SHOW DETAILS:
Miss Nelson is Missing
Tibbits Popcorn Theatre
14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater
June 19, 20, 26 and 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
$8.00
517-278-6029
Tibbits.org