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Post date: Mar 9, 2017 2:08:50 PM
By Zoe Naylor
The well-known story of a deaf-blind girl and her patient, determined tutor reaches Central’s stage this weekend.
The show begins as Captain and Kate Keller (Jake Norris and Marissa McDermaid), realize their daughter Helen is both blind and deaf. The erratic behavior of Helen (Leah Pruter) show us her messy body movements and harsh sounds; it’s easy to empathize with the Kellers in their troubling situation. Later in the play, Annie Sullivan (Amelia Clark), is called to teach Helen language and cooperation.
One of the best parts of The Miracle Worker was watching the connections between characters onstage. In every one of Annie’s facial expressions, there was wisdom and understanding. She was a strong, brave character who wasn’t afraid to be afraid sometimes. Annie’s youthful energy and unrelenting determination shone through in even the most heart-wrenching scenes. There was a strong bond between mother, Kate, and daughter, Helen as well. It was difficult to watch Kate interact with Helen because she wanted what was best for her daughter, but didn’t know how to provide it. However, as the show progressed, Kate’s care and love for Helen were even more visible through sign language and communication.
The hardest scene to watch in The Miracle Worker was one with the fewest words. Annie was struggling teaching Helen how to sit at the dinner table. After what seemed like endless kicking, crying, and even hitting, audience members were exhausted just watching the debacle. At the end of the scene, Helen could eat with a spoon, use a napkin, and ask for more food. This progress was a small miracle and a hint of the love and learning that was to come.
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