THEATER: The Miracle Worker

Bellefonte Area High School’s production of THE MIRACLE WORKER was an example of why I so strongly support high school drama.

The selection of the play itself was a good choice. It is the story of two real women, Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan, each who overcame handicaps to make a difference in our world and our attitudes toward education. A dramatic plot with a lesson to be learned is always a good thing.

A major key to any production, whether it be amateur or professional, is the casting. Executive Producers Shaun McMurtrie and Luke Skerpon chose their cast to each actor’s strength; keeping within his or her reach. I also liked the fact that the cast covered the student body from Freshman to Senior.

The costumes were beautiful and as historically correct as possible thanks to Sarah Toyos and her managers Dori Puzycki and Jonni Fogleman. (Period men’s costuming can be challenging). Credit goes to scenic artist Yoon Hye Lee and the large stage, carpentry, paint crew. I appreciate a set that works on different levels. Set changes were simple and in most cases, quick.

This is a show that requires some complicated lighting and it was handled expertly by coordinator Chip Rupert with Ryan Diers and Joseph Eirmann running the board. To me this is the most difficult part of theatre; it is harder to cover mistakes with lights than in other areas.

The actors appeared to be comfortable in their parts. Madisen Querns was a woman who was patient with her husband and seemed to know that loving her difficult daughter was not helping her. Christian Hopple had the difficult role of Helen’s father. Captain Arthur Keller was not a likable character, but the audience has to see beyond the autocratic Southern male to the love that he had for his family. Hopple was believable in both aspects of the man.

Jordan Corman  is an actor to keep our eye on. As Helen’s half brother James, he comes across initially as being mean and a bit of a bully, but his underlying sense of volubility was able to be felt making the scene where he stands up to his father  believable as well as dramatic.

The two stars of the play are definitely Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. Kaitlyn Whitesell was very impressive as the blind, deaf, out of control child. This young actress was able to get her emotions across to the audience without speaking a word throughout the three acts. Cat Rokavec’s Annie Sullivan was exceptional. Again, here is a character that has so much going on under the face that she presents to the world. One could feel the battle going on inside Annie as she fought for Helen to become a whole person despite her handicaps.

The few flaws… I lost some lines due either to enunciation on the part of the actors or the sound system… were balanced by some heart stopping scenes. The very physical battle between Helen and Annie over table manners was excellent.

Everyone connected with this production is to applauded. I personally am waiting now for April when the Spring Musical will be Elton John and Tim Rice’s version of the timeless love story Aida. Now there will be a Challenge! Stay tuned to Bellefonte's Drama Club for more information about that this spring!