“Three, two, one, places please!” roared the audience in unison during the first dress rehearsal for “Miss Nelson is Missing.”
The audience, composed of upper elementary students from five district schools, Holyoke High School North students in the RISE and SHINE programs, and Transitions Academy students, came together on Friday to watch the rehearsal ahead of the show’s official opening on Wednesday, November 13. This semi-open rehearsal benefits both the performers and guests.
“It’s great for our kids to rehearse with an audience, and it’s great for the visiting kids who get to enjoy a wonderful performance,” said Lynn Bechard, Dean of Management and Operations at HHS North. The visiting students proved to be an energetic audience, cheering loudly each time the curtain rose—or whenever the character Elvis, played by Aidan Fontanez-Courchesne, delivered a line in his best Elvis Presely impersonation. The comedy resonated with the student audience, spurring laughter with nearly every beat.
Ahead of the show, E.N. White fourth grader Ariel shared that she was most looking forward to seeing the costumes and make-up on stage. Her classmate Vivian, a fan of the original book from which the play is adapted, said she knew “all the spoilers” and didn’t want to ruin the surprise for her friends.
“Miss Nelson is Missing,” written by Harry Allard, was first published as a picture book in 1977, and later adapted into a stage play. The plot centers on a classroom of students who just can’t behave, and the disappearance of their kind and timid teacher, Miss Nelson—and the appearance of an intimidating substitute teacher, Miss Swamp.
“The lesson is exciting,” said tenth grade student crew member Sasha Thomas. “It’s about learning to be better and help one another.”
The cast of 11 students and their supporting crew are directed by HHS Theatre Company Director and Theater and Media Teacher Bevan Brunelle. The show opens Wednesday, November 13 in the HHS North Auditorium, and runs through Saturday, November 16. Tickets can be purchased online on the MIFA Festival website through November 12, or at the door. Online pre-purchased tickets are $5 for HPS students and staff, and $10 for general admission. General admission tickets will cost an additional $5 at the door, but student tickets will remain $5.