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| The Miracle Worker (2005-2006) |
| Cast |
| Production Crew |
| See a ‘Miracle’ this weekend Mike Woods For the Republican Did you know that the world famous inspirational Helen Keller once made an appearance in Rushville? It’s true—in 1915! She and her teacher both appeared, and spoke at, one of the touring Chatauqua shows right here in our little town. In case you missed her then, you have an excellent chance to see her this weekend as the Rush County Players present the story of her early years in “The Miracle Worker.” And what a show it is! Directed by Robby Tompkins, an RCHS and Taylor University grad, the play is faultless in so many ways. Bonnie Locchetta handles the role of Annie Sullivan, Helen’s teacher, with dignity and pure spunk. Annie came to be Helen’s teacher fresh out of school herself, and enters her first paid position with high hopes for Helen’s future. Helen, played by an amazing girl named Kylee Hickmott, has other ideas. Helen Keller, of course, was blind, deaf, and mute from an illness in infancy. Helen and Annie have scenes together that have been choreographed like a ballet, only this dance includes biting, hitting, and plain old rough-housing. Both Bonnie and Kylee deserve major praise for jobs well done. Helen’s long-suffering parents aren’t sure about this new teacher, but they both deal with her in their own ways. Helen’s father, Capt. Keller is played by Mike Alexander, and he is very well suited to the role. You may remember Mike as the jump-suited Elvis in “Rock Back the Clock,” but here he really has a chance to shine as a dramatic actor. He is strong, stern, and yet, ultimately loving of his family. Dana Flynn as Kate Keller does a great job with the difficult role of a mother who loves her child so much that she has to choose between protecting her or giving her over to the teacher who could make all the difference in her life. A special mention needs to go to Tiffany Alexander, who was brave enough to tackle a part that most teenage girls would never attempt—that is, playing the part of a young man, Helen’s half-brother, whose philosophies differ greatly from his strong father. She does an excellent job. Equally effective in her small role of Aunt Ev is Deb Hummel. Deb does not have a lot of time on stage, but she commands the stage when she’s there. And, rounding out the Keller household is the maid, Viney, played with quiet love and patience by Pat Coons. As is the case with most such households, she is the rock of the family. Becca Craven and Steven Locchetta are also members of the Keller household, playing young servants Martha and Percy. They are Helen’s playmates, but are also victims of her frustration at her inability to speak like, be like, them. They are both charming in their time onstage. Others who deserve mention here at the children who play students at the Perkins Institute for the Blind, the school Annie Sullivan attends, and leaves, to teach Helen. These include Amanda Locchetta, Lindsay Bullard, Matia Ruji, Katie McConnell, Casia Stoops, Leanna Pennington, Jasmine Todd, Alexa Todd, Bekah Rogers, Austyn Grocox, Brooke Biehl, Lane James, and Sarah Peterson. Some of these children have a great deal of previous stage time, and some of them are newcomers, but they are all delightful in their brief scene, wishing Annie farewell and good luck with her new charge. Drew Asbury also appears as Annie’s younger brother, Jimmie, who passed away during their time in an orphanage. His ghostly appearances in Annie’s flashbacks are extremely poignant. Rounding out the cast are Scott Medd as the country doctor, and Jeff Wagoner, as the director of the Perkins Institute. Both handle their roles well, and add depth to the production. Also heard, but not seen, are several “voices” from Annie’s past, including Taryn Harrison, Chante Wells, Julie Craven, Aaron Scholl and Robby Tompkins. After reviewing the play earlier this week, I told the cast I believe the show has one additional “star” …the set. Those attending will absolutely marvel at the way the set is used by the actors. It actually plays a very large part in the overall success of the play. Director Robby Tompkins and producer Aaron Scholl should be commended for its design. The props and furniture on stage are also wonderfully “period,” evoking the grand elegance of a Southern home just after the Civil War. It is my understanding that RCP’s existing prop supply was supplemented not only by cast members contributions, but by furniture on loan from Elizabeth’s Keepsakes. It all looks wonderful. And, it is all well under control by stage manager Julie Craven and her crew. Aaron Scholl, in the lighting booth, and Mark Love, controlling the sound, do a terrific job, changing from day, to night, indoor and outdoor lighting, as well as special sound effects. The curtains never close in this production, so lights become important for the changes of scene, place, and mood in this production. This should be on your list of things that MUST be done this weekend. The show opens at 8 p.m. Friday in the Laughlin Center, with shows at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are currently on sale at Carter Lanning and Elizabeth’s Keepsakes, at $8 for adults and $5 for students. They will also be available at the door for $10 for adults or $5 for students. You can also reserve tickets by calling 938-1711, or going online at www.rushcountyplayers.org. The Players have done their best to make sure you can see this tremendous show and still have Super Bowl Sunday free! It’s easy to see why author William Gibson chose the title, “The Miracle Worker” to tell the story of Helen and her teacher. Rush County audiences will apply “The Miracle Worker” to this fine director, cast and crew for pulling of such a difficult story so effectively. Don’t miss it! |
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| Director Producer Stage Manager Lights Sound Publicity Ticket Sales Props Set Construction |
| Doctor Kate Keller Capt. Keller Helen Keller Martha Percy Aunt Ev Keller James Keller Anagnos Annie Sullivan Viney Jimmie Sullivan Blind School Children Dr. Howe (voice) Poorhouse Doctor (voice) Crone 1 (voice) Crone 2 (voice) Crone 3 (voice) Belle |
| Scott Medd Dana Flynn Mike Alexander Kylie Hickmott Becca Craven Steven Locchetta Deb Hummel **Hammy Award Winner - Outstanding Character Portrayal - Female** Tiffany Alexander Jeff Wagoner Bonnie Locchetta **Hammy Award Winner - Best Lead Actress** Patricia Coons Drew Asbury Brooke Biehl Lindsay Bullard Austyn Grocox Lane James Amanda Locchetta Katie McConnell Leanna Pennington Sarah Peterson Bekah Rogers Tia Ruji Alexa Todd Jasmine Todd Robby Tompkins Aaron Scholl Julie Craven Taryn Harrison Chante Wells Gabriel |
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