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The Miracle Worker
by Central Piedmont Community College
Even though The Miracle Worker is over fifty years old from
when it was first produced for television, it still has the power to move an
audience. This is especially true when two very good directors are at the helm.
Corlis Hayes and Corey Mitchell though hampered by the odd stage dimensions of
Pease Auditorium (soon to be renovated); have obviously worked hard with their
cast to bring the play to life.
The fact that everyone knows the story of Helen Keller
doesn’t diminish the heartfelt performances of the lead actors. Full credit and
kudos go to both Amanda Berkowitz as Helen Keller, and Courtney Wright as Annie
Sullivan who do a terrific job individually, and together. One can only imagine
the hours of rehearsal to get the timing and choreography of their “dinner”
scene to look as natural as it does. Tony Wright, fight choreographer, has done
an impressive job with that aspect of the show.
The large cast all do their best with Samantha Driver the
most convincing as Helen’s mother Kate who loves her disabled daughter in a
heartbreaking way that parents will understand. Even Maggie the dog gives some
character to the proceedings.
It’s difficult to imagine now, but Annie Sullivan was only
twenty when she first worked with Helen Keller. Her own deprived, desperate
childhood gave her the wisdom to know that Helen needed discipline first and
not pity to make the most of her life. Their inspiring story is well worth our
time and consideration.
By William Gibson
Performed April 25 – May 4, 2008
Ann Marie Oliva
Ann
Marie Oliva's plays have had over 80 productions across the US. She is founder
of the playwrights in residence at Theatre Charlotte in North Carolina. Ann
Marie is producer/editor of ARTS à la Mode, a
website devoted to the arts that includes film and local theatre reviews.
~ Cast ~
Doctor: Jack Stecher
Kate Keller: Samantha Driver
Captain Keller: Mark Plant
Helen Keller: Amanda Berkowitz
Martha: Jenesis Tucker
Percy: Kelsey Wardlaw
Servant Girl: Morgan Wardlaw
Aunt Ev: Liz Luke
James Keller: Joshua Looney
Vaney: Nisa Hasan
Anagnos: John Xenakis
Annie Sullivan: Courtney Wright
Blind Girls:
Julia Kelly
Virginia Tracy
Katie Plant
Emily Calder
Bailey Hayman
Rachel Tatge
Samantha Calder
Hannah Roberge
Voices:
Ryan Fanant
Katie Plant
Emily Calder
John Xenakis
Bailey Hayman
Jack Stecher
Belle: Maggie the Dog
Directors: Corlis Hayes & Corey Mitchell
Technical Director Don Ketchum
Scene Designer: James Duke
Lighting Designer: Chris Hull
Costume Designer: Suzie Hartness
Stage Manager: Casey McCann
Sound Designer: Jeff Murdoch
Fight Choreographer: Tony Wright
Technical Crew:
Assistant Technical Director & Master Electrician: Adam
York
Production Consultant: Ulysses Crawford
Assistant Stage Manager: Katie Plant
Carpenters: Alana Almond, John Tringas, Vivian Van Danse
Set Construction: Students of DRA 111, DRA 130, DRA 131,
DRA 135, DRA 136, DRA 140, DRA 141, DRA 270
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