Review: 'The Miracle Worker' at Paul VI Catholic High

by Diana Witt of Westfield High School

“Language is to the mind more than light is to the eye”. This is certainly true for the cast of Paul VI High School’s Miracle Worker, as they brought the classic tale of Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan to life on stage in a moving performance.

Miracle Worker, written by William Gibson, was first performed in 1959. It is based on the famous autobiography of Helen Keller, Story of My Life. Miracle Worker was later made in to a film in 1962 starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke.

Born in 1880 in Tuscumbia, Alabama, Helen Keller is a typical happy infant until a fever leaves her blind, deaf, and mute. During her early years, Helen’s parents, Kate and Captain Arthur, indulge her every whim out of pity. Helen becomes out of control, lashing out at her family in fits of rage. The Keller’s last chance of correcting Helen’s behavior is to hire Annie Sullivan, a governess and teacher for Helen. Anne Sullivan comes to Alabama to tutor Helen, fix her behavior problems, and give her the tools to comprehend words and communicate. It is a battle of wills as Annie and Helen embark on the journey of learning to understand and love each other.

Isabella Whitfield embodied the unruly young Helen. Whitfield gave an outstanding and realistic portrayal through her shrill screams and wild body movement. Her understanding of the character allowed the audience to believe in her inability to see, hear, or talk. Whitfield’s commitment to her role brought intensity to the show. She displayed theatrical excellence while capturing Helen’s anger, but also her innocence.

Abigail Rozmajzl played Annie Sullivan, Helen’s tutor and governess. Rozmajzl showed the great depth of Annie, through her knowledge of the text. Rozmajzl brought tears and joy to the audience in a poignant performance. Mr. and Mrs. Keller, played by Nathaniel Smith and Madelene Whitfield, presented strong relationships with each other and with Helen. Whitfield brought Mrs. Keller to life with a charming southern accent and a pleasant demeanor. Smith portrayed the harsh Mr. Keller, an uptight and rude captain. Smith displayed Mr.Keller as a dynamic character, presenting him as tough, but later showing a softer side.

The actors performed on a beautifully crafted set of the Keller home. The décor and furnishings fit well with the setting of the play and created the atmosphere of the quaint country home. A working water pump brought realism to the show and was quite impressive. Music pieces and sound effects set the ambiance of the Alabama town. Well-choreographed fight scenes left the audience speechless. Props (Ally Kraft), like real food, plates, and glasses, were used during the fight scenes and were planned appropriately. The plates and glasses were made to be broken, and the props team insured that new props were interchanged. The props were very detailed and added a new flavor to the show.

The cast and crew of Miracle Worker did a remarkable job in telling Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan’s timeless story in a way that was raw and interesting. Their touching play inspired the audience and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.