On Monday, I had the opportunity to view part of the rehearsal for the Greater Escambia Council for the Arts’ production of The Miracle Worker.
It didn’t take me long in that theater to realize that I miss the opportunity to perform on stage. In my previous hometown, in Bainbridge, Ga., I got the chance to perform in two community-theater musicals — Annie and Oliver! I also participated in a community-theater musical in Andalusia.
One of the things that I most remember about the stage is that it is a great opportunity to get to drop your inhibitions and be someone who you’re normally not. It’s funny when you’re growing up and your parents tell you “don’t climb on the furniture” or “don’t throw a tantrum,” and yet that’s exactly what the Helen Keller actress does in this performance.
I always especially enjoy getting the chance to see kids perform on stage. Kids are full of energy and they definitely bring a lot to any performance. Although I only got to see a small portion of The Miracle Worker, I can tell you that there are quite a number of talented youngsters who shine on the stage in this play.
I know it’s clichéd to say that somebody “works really hard” on a project, but I guarantee that it’s the absolute truth about the players at GECA. I’ve been there before, on those Saturday rehearsals when you’d rather be home watching TV, or those times when you’re running lines over and over again before bedtime. It would have been easy for these players to throw up their hands and say “all this time and work is not worth it,” but they stuck with it and now they get a chance to show off their talents on the stage.
They’re expecting the shows to be sellouts, but there are still chances to get tickets. You can either purchase them for $10 at The Atmore News, 128 S. Main St., or by visiting the GECA’s website at www.gecarts.com.
I congratulate everyone who will be participating in The Miracle Worker, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous of them. Maybe I’ll get the chance to “trod the boards” again sometime soon, but if not, at least I’ll get the chance to be in the audience and cheer. I hope to see you there.

Justin Schuver is the publisher and editor of The Atmore Advance. You can email him at justin.schuver@atmoreadvance.com.