Miracle Worker to debut Friday
Published 6:00 pm Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Is it possible to give a strong dramatic performance without saying a single line? Audiences will learn the answer to that question, when the Greater Escambia Council for the Arts presents The Miracle Worker this weekend.
The Miracle Worker is a three-act play by William Gibson, adapted from the autobiography of Helen Keller. The story focuses on Anne Sullivan, who serves as 6-year-old Helen’s teacher and helps her to overcome her blindness, muteness and deafness.
Lauren Metzler plays Helen Keller and Katherine Moore plays Anne Sullivan.
“When Lauren came into audition for the part, I could tell that she was already Helen Keller,” said director Laura Davis Spragg. “She has consistently grown in the character and is doing a fine job.”
The GECA production will be held Friday, Oct. 18, and Saturday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m., as well as Sunday, Oct. 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at The Atmore News, located at 128 S. Main St., from a GECA member, or by visiting GECA’s website at www.gecarts.com.
The theater is at the Greater Escambia Center for the Arts, located at 100 S. Trammell St. The box office opens an hour before performance time, and the doors open 30 minutes before performance time.
Spragg said audiences would be greatly entertained by the local talent in the production.
“It’s always fun to watch somebody who you know play a different character,” she said. “I appreciate everyone’s hard work to make this a successful show.”
Other cast members in the performance include: Jerry James as Captain Keller, Gretchen McPherson as Kate Keller, Jackson Deatherage as James Keller, Sharon Poulsen as Aunt Ev, Tom Jeter as Anagnos, Gilda Stuben as Viney, Xavier Weidman as The Doctor, Grace Terry as Martha, Luke Still as Percy, Kendrick Walker as The Servant, Jaden Torres as Jimmy, and four blind girls played by Evangeline Moore, Megan Wilson, Melissa Wilson and Grace Terry.
Spragg did not want to give too much of the plot away, but said that there are several funny scenes, as well as many touching ones.
“I think there are some powerful scenes in this play,” she said. “We’re expecting it to be a sold-out show. GECA is always a highlight of the year to many people in the community, and everyone has worked very hard to make this the best show it can be.”