By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Hays Arts Council has caught football fever.
The HAC, in cooperation with local sponsors, will present "Miss Nelson Has a Field Day" performed by the award-winning Dallas Children's Theater.
"It's targeted to children, but it is quality professional theater," Brenda Meder, HAC director, told the KAYS morning show on Wednesday.
The play is based on the popular Miss Nelson book series. The Horace B. Smedley Tornadoes have never won a game or even scored a point. When they stop complaining and start listening to the tough substitute teacher, Viola Swamp, they may have a chance.
"Frolicking football players, a perky cheerleader, a hilarious spatula-wielding cafeteria lady, and an electrifying Viola Swamp, who transforms from the sweet-faced Miss Nelson, all play a special part in this wacky musical –'Miss Nelson Has a Field Day,' " according to a press release from the Dallas Children's Theater.
The public show will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. The show lasts only 60 minutes, so Meder promises you can still come out and see the show and get home in time to watch the rest of the Chiefs' playoff game.
Tickets will be available at the door starting at 1 p.m.
The event is not only a way to expose children to musical theater, but the HAC hopes to encourage kids to pick up more of the Miss Nelson books. The musical is recommended for grades pre-K through fourth.
Cost is $4 for children 12 and younger and $6 for those 13 and older. Seating is general admission. While supplies last, children will receive goodie bags, which contain a mini football, a ticket to see one spring sporting event at FHSU and football stickers.
Children and adults are encouraged to wear jerseys for their favorite sports teams. There will be a meet-and-greet autograph session with the cast immediately after the show.
The Dallas Children's Theater will stay on one more day to give a performance for Hays second- and third-graders Monday. A study/activity guide on the musical is being made available to local schools. It is also available on the HAC website.
