By Hanna Perry and Macy Santicola, Contributing Writer and Advertising Manager
West Liberty University’s Hilltop Players kick off their 2018-2019 season tonight, Oct. 18, with “The Miracle Worker,” a historical classic which first debuted in 1959.
Adjunct Professor of Theater Maggie Balsley is set to direct the production that will run from Oct. 18-20 and Oct. 25-27 at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, Oct. 28 at 3 p.m. in Kelly Theater.
“The Miracle Worker” was written by William Gibson and was based on Helen Keller’s autobiography “The Story of My Life.” The play is set in Tuscumbia, Alabama in the 1880s where a young Helen Keller has grown wild and angry after disease left her blind and deaf as an infant.
With nowhere else to turn, the Kellers hire Annie Sullivan from the Perkins Institute for the Blind to work with their daughter. Annie begins to teach Helen discipline and how to communicate which changes the young Keller’s life.
Balsey said, “The scenes between Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan are very compelling.”
“It’s a very historical and emotional play,” said Balsley. “Helen Keller is an important historical figure to many people and audiences will enjoy seeing the show because they will be able to learn something from it.”
Helen Keller was a writer and is also known for her social activism. She was especially committed to raising awareness for and aiding others with disabilities.
The principal cast of “The Miracle Worker” includes: MaKenna Berka as Helen Keller, Odessa Hores as Annie Sullivan, Evan Morgan as Captain Keller, Grant Vancamp as James Keller, Molly Stanley as Kate Keller, Brody Eggert as the Doctor and as Anagnos, Josie Jarrett as Aunt Ev, and Alex Street, Kaitlyn Johnston and Olivia Thompson are playing Perkins Students.
Photo Credit: Jalen McCrary
