New vision provided by Miracle Worker
Finding insight into the meaning of life
Watch wonders come to life in Eden High School’s production of “The Miracle Worker.”
Young Helen Keller has been living her life according to her own rules, allowed to out of pity because she has tragically, as a young child, become both blind and deaf. That is, until Annie Sullivan comes into her life and changes it forever.
Annie is a young, formerly blind woman sent to teach Helen as the last resort before the asylum. With her sharp intelligence and stubborn independence, she is able to show Helen and her parents that there is more to life than what they know. Although Annie is dealing with her own past darkness, Helen and Annie give each other poignant insight into the meaning of life.
Eden High School’s cast and crew put on a commendable production that had the audience in tears, moved by the play’s powerful themes. They had excellent chemistry together that enhanced the story and allowed it to shine. The cast possessed great maturity, dealing with difficult topics with grace and professionalism. Although the performance had a serious tone, unexpected moments of comedy were delivered well, and lightened the mood at the perfect times.
Each cast member brought something special to the stage. Elizabeth Chernyak, as Helen Keller, possessed amazing physicality, expertly expressing Helen's feelings all through skillful non-verbal communication, never even making eye contact with anyone. Maria Mudassir, as Annie Sullivan, built off of Chernyak’s energy and impressively illustrated the character's determination and remarkable independence, while also powerfully portraying her softer side.
Jesse Klassen, as Capt. Keller, perfectly characterized the traditional, stubborn, uptight father figure, and had contagious energy. Christian Roethling, as James, captured the audience's heart with his endearing mannerisms and search for love and acceptance. Roethling and Klassen played off of the dynamic of their relationship hilariously, providing comic relief, and showcasing their impressive comedic timing.
As for the technical aspects of the performance, they were executed with ease. Lighting and sound was well used to enhance the events onstage and show what the characters were feeling. Chilling voiceovers gave a look into the past that built the story, and added another dimension to the play.
The sets and costumes were realistic and period appropriate, creating a level of realism on stage. Additionally, the stage space was used fully and energetically with the help of many exciting props that the cast did not shy away from using.
Although the cast suffered from some missed and mumbled lines, they recovered quickly, never missing a beat.
Overall, Eden High School’s production of “The Miracle Worker” was a heartwarming and inspiring performance that communicated the importance of love, family, and resilience that all audiences are sure to enjoy.