Review: Student performers shine in 'Miracle Worker'

Generations of teachers have followed Anne Sullivan's methods of teaching a blind and deaf young girl to communicate. Helen Keller herself wrote 12 books and became the international symbol of the potential of humans to overcome limitations.

One reason "The Miracle Worker" is so affecting is because the power of the truth always trumps fiction.

The breakthrough moment when young Helen understood the connection between objects and the letters Annie was spelling in Helen's hand occurred just that way. Once Helen grasped that w-a-t-e-r meant the substance flowing over her hand at the outdoor pump, she wanted to know what everything was. By the end of the day, her vocabulary had increased from 0 to 30 words.

That thirst to know and understand is universal.

The Central High School production of "The Miracle Worker" opens tonight and continues through Saturday at the Central Junior High School auditorium.

William Gibson's script for "The Miracle Worker" is rife with poignant lines. Some he gives to Annie Sullivan (Suzanne Burke), the strong-willed young teacher who grew up in an institution almost blind herself. "Strangers aren't so strange to me," she says. "I've known them my whole life."

And to Kate (Cat Goeke), Helen's mother, when her son James is dismayed that Helen can't even keep herself clean. "Do you dare complain of what you can see?" she roars.

Goeke is a strong presence on stage, and Zach Reeves does a nice turn as James, at once both petulant and misunderstood. Also well done is Damand Davis' portrayal of Captain Keller, the patriarch who doubts much can be done for Helen but always remains on her side.

Much of the play focuses on the fights and other means of communication between Annie and Helen (Sami Gross). Burke captures Annie's passion for this work and also her vulnerability. Gross has the difficult task of portraying a girl locked inside the prison of her inability to see and hear. She makes the audience long to know what Helen is thinking.

The ensemble makes Helen's breakthrough a moment of grace.

Annette Hammond gives Viney, the maid, verve, and Mathew Miller is memorable in a brief appearance as the doctor with bad news for the Kellers about their young daughter. Heath Daniel imparts humanity to Anagnos, who runs Annie's school.

In smaller roles are Logan Young as Martha, Christopher Dietert as Percy and Allie Wolz as Aunt Ev.

The blind girls at Annie's school are played by Annabelle Criddle, Beth Davey, Julie Mothershead, Abby Keifner, Courtney Brown and Jenni Schrader. Allie Shrum appears as Belle, the Kellers' dog.

Cynthia Bradshaw is the director, and her husband Joe Bradshaw is the technical director. The student director is Jonathan Henson. The stage managers are Sarah and Hannah Moore.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

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