Orlando Shakespeare Theater Opens MISS NELSON HAS A FIELD DAY, 4/4

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF (http://orlandoshakes.org) concludes its 2012-2013 Theater for Young Audiences Series (TYA) with the musical, Miss Nelson Has a Field Day. Based on the books of Harry Allard & James Marshall, this musical adventure is recommended for families with children ages 4 and older. Miss Nelson Has a Field Day will be playing in the Margeson Theater from April 4 - May 5, 2013 with preview performances on April 4 and April 5. Free spring activities and crafts will be provided by Amaya Papaya one hour before the opening performance on Saturday, April 6th at 2 p.m.

In Miss Nelson Has a Field Day, Miss Nelson's students, the Smedley Elementary School Tornadoes, haven't won a single game and are the worst football team in the state. Miss Nelson enlists Coach Viola Swamp to whip the team into shape and save the day.

Following each weekend performance of Miss Nelson Has a Field Day, children will have an opportunity to receive autographs from the entire cast. Orlando Shakes also offers weekday student matinees specifically for schools and day cares. School groups purchasing 10 tickets or more enjoy significant discounts, with curriculum guides and additional resources available for teachers; please inquire at the Box Office for rates and information.

Leading this production is director Steve Mackinnon, who returns to Orlando Shakes after directing both A Year with Frog and Toad and Miss Nelson is Missing. The cast stars Amanda Leakey as Miss Nelson/Viola Swamp, Lauren Butler as Lauren, Carl Krickmire as Coach, Christopher Diaz as Daniel, Brandon Alpert as Kenny, and Nathan Sebens as Patrick. The creative team who will convert the stage to a football field include Choreographer Kim Ball, Set Designer Robbin Watts, Costume Designer Mel Barger, Lighting Designer Mary Heffernan, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.

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 time. Led by members of the cast of Miss Nelson Has a Field Day, this engaging 20-minute reading is an excellent precursor to the performance. Everyone attending will have a chance to win free tickets to attend a performance of Miss Nelson Has a Field Day at Orlando Shakespeare Theater.
• Saturday, March 2 at 10 a.m. - Barnes & Noble in the Colonial Plaza Market Place (2418 E
Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803)

Orlando Shakes also offers new opportunities for the deaf, hard of hearing, or differently abled. American Sign Language interpretation is offered during a performance of Miss Nelson Has a Field Day on Saturday, April 27th at 2 p.m. There is no additional charge for this service. Provided by Florida Hands & Voices.

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

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.

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