'Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing' brings laughs to Jorgensen

Peter Hatcher, a quiet, helpful fourth grader, cannot stand his adorably annoying little brother Fudge. Fudge gets all the attention. Fudge is not blamed for anything because he's a baby. Peter's life seems to consist of nothing but Fudge's tantrums and disgusting toddler habits. A colorful, funny play perfect for children, "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" came to the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts Sunday afternoon as part of the Jorgensen children's series. The production, based off of the popular children's book by Judy Blume, depicted the trials and tribulations of living with a nutty, unpredictable sibling. Although the play was mainly for the entertainment of young children, people of all ages could relate to the play's messages. Who can forget the struggles that come with being a 9-year-old boy or girl - finally starting to grow up and have responsibilities, but at the same time struggling to remain that younger, more carefree person? At one point, one has to give up being allowed to dance around in a silly game, have a little "accident" or throw a random tantrum about nothing. These are the things Peter Hatcher has to deal with as he watches his little brother run around, getting away with anything. "It reminds me of being young, and brings back memories of what it was like to be a kid, have those kind of worries that seemed so big at the time," said Bobby Vesely, a 7th-semester biology major. This kind of show brings back memories. It showed the simple, everyday events that color a 9-year-old's life. It's easy to forget when you get older that you used to be just like Peter and Fudge. Delight was apparent in many of the audience member's faces. One girl, Cara Jordan, thought the play was very entertaining. "My favorite part was when Fudge ate the turtle; I thought that was so funny. I also liked when he threw the mashed potatoes all over the walls," she said, smiling. She referred to Peter's pet turtle in the play, which Fudge knowingly swallowed. Fortunately, their pet beagle did not find the same fate. Cara's little brother, Christopher Jordan, agreed, "It was funny 'cause I like the birthday party scene and when they were running around." The play was a family event for the Jordans. As a child those things that seem the silliest are what create our personalities. Sometimes the biggest worry one has is being jealous of a younger sibling. As Peter said, "I'm a nothing, just a fourth grade nothing." Sometimes, we all feel that way and this play was a great way to bring the child out in all of us.