By Coral Gables Gazette staff
A familiar classroom tale with enduring lessons about respect and responsibility takes the stage in Coral Gables as Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents Miss Nelson Is Missing!, a musical adaptation of the beloved children’s books by Harry Allard and James Marshall .
A classic classroom mystery on stage
At the center of the story is Miss Nelson, a gentle teacher whose classroom spirals into chaos as her unruly students push boundaries with paper airplanes and spitballs. When Miss Nelson suddenly disappears, her class is confronted with a strict substitute, Viola Swamp, whose uncompromising discipline forces students to reconsider their behavior.
As the children attempt to solve the mystery of their missing teacher, the narrative unfolds into a playful but purposeful exploration of accountability, teamwork, and mutual respect. The musical format amplifies the story’s humor and heart, translating a familiar picture-book favorite into an engaging live-theatre experience for young audiences.
Musical theater for young audiences
Adapted by Joan Cushing, Miss Nelson Is Missing! is part of Actors’ Playhouse’s Musical Theatre for Young Audiences series, a cornerstone of the company’s educational and family-focused programming.
The production is directed by Earl Maulding, director of Musical Theatre for Young Audiences, and stars Sarah Boynton as Miss Nelson. The cast also includes Corey Vega, Cam Davis, Elyza Guzman, Patricia Christine Garcia, and Caila Katz, forming an ensemble designed to keep the storytelling energetic, accessible, and emotionally clear for children and parents alike.
A theater rooted in education and access
Actors’ Playhouse has long emphasized youth engagement as a core part of its mission. In addition to public weekend performances, the production offers select weekday matinées designed for school field trips. These performances include study guides and post-show talkbacks with the cast, reinforcing the company’s commitment to arts education and curriculum-aligned learning.
A sensory-inclusive performance, adapted for individuals with sensory sensitivities, is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m., expanding access for families who benefit from a modified theatre environment.
A Coral Gables cultural anchor
Located in the historic Miracle Theatre, Actors’ Playhouse stands as one of Miami-Dade County’s major cultural institutions and a defining presence along Miracle Mile. Its programming blends professional mainstage productions with children’s theatre, education initiatives, and year-round training programs, reinforcing Coral Gables’ role as a regional arts hub.
Support for Miss Nelson Is Missing! comes from multiple public and private partners, including Miami-Dade County cultural agencies and the City of Coral Gables, reflecting the collaborative investment behind youth-focused arts programming in the community .
Performance details
Miss Nelson Is Missing! runs now through Feb. 28, with a spring return from March 31 through April 24. Public performances take place on Saturdays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and children, with group rates available. Performances are held at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables.
