Journey From Darkness To Light In The Miracle Worker

"She is like a little safe, locked, that no one can open. Perhaps there is a treasure inside.” said Annie Sullivan’s mentor, Mr. Anagnos of the Perkin’s Institute for the Blind, as Annie prepared to go work with Helen Keller.

Six-year old Helen, trapped in a dark, silent world due to an illness, needed Annie to help her unlock that treasure. Playwright William Gibson captured the extraordinary true story of how Annie taught Helen to communicate with the world in The Miracle Worker. This inspirational production, presented by Mainstage center for the Arts (MCA), comes to Camden County College’s Dennis Flyer Theater February 2 -10, 2018. It is directed by Perry-Award winning director Marjorie Sokoloff, head of the college’s Theatre Department. Republic Bank, Lamp Post Diner, and Meadows Diner sponsor the production.

On Broadway in 1960 The Miracle Worker won five Tony Awards, including Best Play. It starred Patty Duke as Helen Keller and Anne Bancroft as Annie Sullivan.

Mainstage’s production will feature Melissa Connell of Marlton as Annie Sullivan and Kat Ross Kline of Ewing as Helen Keller. Connell’s performed in various theatrical, commercial, industrial, film and voice over productions throughout the Northeast. She’s worked with Sokoloff in five other productions. This is her first time portraying Annie Sullivan.

“Annie had such a hard life, her mother passed away, she was blind, her dad couldn’t take care of the kids, she and her brother, Jimmy, were sent to live in a group home, and her brother passed away. She had nine surgeries to correct her vision. She was a fighter who had to grow up quickly,” said Connell. “Annie was a good match for Helen. She could relate to her frustration. And, I love how she never gave up on her.”

“Developing the relationship between Annie and Helen was so crucial in this play. That’s why I felt it was important that Kat and I met and got to know each other well before rehearsals began. It’s been such a great experience and we’ve become close.”

Ross Kline is revisiting the role of Helen, whom she portrayed 11 years ago, also under the direction of Sokoloff. In recent years, Ross Kline has been directing and choreographing for Mercer County Community College, where she is a resident a resident company member of Pierrot Productions at the Kelsey Theatre in Mercer County, NJ

“I have such a different take on The Miracle Worker this time. Now that I have a daughter I understand how devastating this was to Kate Keller. It gives me a broader understanding of the characters and of life,” said Ross Kline.

“For me, getting to know Melissa has been wonderful to develop the trust that’s needed in intense, physical scenes on stage. These were two lost people. Annie was alone in the world and hurting ever since her brother’s death. It might seem that since she broke through and taught Helen how to communicate that she healed her. In reality, they healed each other. No one gave up on the other. This shows us just what you can accomplish, despite setbacks. One of my favorite quotes from Helen Keller is ‘I thank God for my handicaps. For through them, I have found myself, my work and my God.’ ”

In addition, to Connell and Ross Kline, Helen Keller’s story is brought to life by cast members including: Cory Laslocky of Audubon (Captain Keller), Genevieve Naccarelli of Washington Township (Kate Keller), Andy Boettcher of Lumberton (James Keller), Avery Hannon of Westampton (Percy), Marjorie Bicknell of Philadelphia (Aunt Ev), Gelisa Givens (Viney), Veronica James (Martha), Danielle Silverstein of Cherry Hill, Michelle Bonadies, Kate Bove, Emma Scherz and Gianna Reginelli of Blackwood. (Blind Girls). The set designer is Don Swenson, the costumer is Ariel Wang, and stage manager is Jordan Chester.

“When she last directed The Miracle Worker, Marjorie’s interpretation was so powerful and moving. I’m thrilled that Mainstage is able to work with her, Don Swenson, whose sets always create the right mood, and this cast – some of the finest actors in the area,” said Ed Fiscella, MCA Co-founder and Producing Artistic Director.

Sokoloff, who directs a minimum of four or five plays per year, spoke about the production.

“It’s a blessing to revisit a play and look at it in a new light. This time, I’ve been thinking about self-imposed blindness of the characters. For example, Kate is blind to what Helen really needs, Captain Keller is blind in his relationship to his son and how he chooses to look at him.” She added, “It’s a physical, exhausting show and this cast is very committed. I’m grateful for their gifts. I’m fantastic that Mainstage is able to provide this level of work for area school children who will be tomorrow’s patrons of the arts.

In addition to the public performances, Mainstage is presenting student matinees for school groups on February 7th, 8th, and 9th at 9:30 am. Public performances run February 2nd, 3rd, 9th, and 10th at 7:30 p.m., in the fully accessible Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall, Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ. The February 10th performance is American Sign Language Interpreted. Mainstage’s season is sponsored by Comegno Law Group, PC. Ticket prices are $20 for premium seating $18 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and students 12 and under. For tickets, visit www.mainstage.org, or call 855-936-2467, ext 3.

Mainstage Center for the Arts, located in Blackwood, NJ is committed to making the arts experience enjoyable for all its patrons. In an effort to make the shows, concerts, events, workshops, classes, and offices accessible to as many as possible, Mainstage offers many services for patrons requiring assistance. For anyone in need of assistance, please notify the office at 856-302-6485.

Photo caption: Dave Gruen.