RBHS’ Fine Arts Department is to put on their winter play, “The Miracle Worker,” in the Performing Arts Center from Thursday, Feb. 9 to Saturday, Feb. 11. 

“The Miracle Worker” is a heartfelt retelling of the story of Annie Sullivan and her blind and mute student, Helen Keller. Sandy Welty, the RBHS theater director and co-director of this play, said auditions took place just before winter break, and RBHS theatre students have been working to put the play together before their premiere on the 9th.  

While the theater department puts on a winter play every year, senior James Wakefield said this play carries an entirely different tone, especially compared to previous RBHS productions. 

“Every year, new actors come and go at Rock Bridge High School, yet it remains a unique experience each time,” Wakefield said. “The storytelling energies of the play change with each of the student’s different roles. ‘The Miracle Worker’ comes more as an intriguing, slower paced adventure compared to last season [with] the wild energy of ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ and the youthful struggles of ‘The Outsiders.’”

Along with the slower pace, junior Sydney Korman, the stage manager for the play, said “The Miracle Worker” was special because of the opportunities the production provided for cast members to learn about the struggles of disabled people and the stories of those around them. 

The other co-director of the play, Victoria Mongillo, worked at a deaf-blind school for many years, and with Mongillo’s connection and experience to the story of “The Miracle Worker,” Korman said RBHS was able to put on a more inclusive viewing experience than ever before.  

“This story is one that allows people with hearing and vision impairments to connect. We are lucky enough to have interpreters come and be on stage during a few of our performances for audience members with hearing impairments,” Korman said. “‘The Miracle Worker’ has allowed RBHS theater to create a space for people with similar stories to come and enjoy a production, and that is very special.” 

The process of telling such an emotional story came with new experiences for not just the audience but for the director as well. Welty said this play relies mostly on dialogue with no lengthy monologues to relay scenes of intense physical and emotional dynamism. The biggest task for her was choreographing the tantrums of Helen Keller. Welty said those who took part in the production, however, were able to stand up to the challenges and grow as well.

“This is a very advanced cast and crew, and they immediately went to work,” Welty said. “It is a classic piece that will remain a thread in our theater world. It is definitely a hard show that is great for any resume. It shows colleges and outside theater programs that these students involved have an experience that should stand out to any producer.”

Through taking on new challenges together, Korman said she saw how the cast members were able to grow and bond as they worked with one another in rehearsals to create a meaningful experience for audiences. 

“I have never been more confident in a show than I am with the ‘Miracle Worker.’ We have amazing chemistry between our actors, a beautiful set and a crew full of people who are excited to be here working on this show each night,” Korman said. “We’ve put so much time and work into this show, and each night it grows into something even stronger and more emotional. I look forward to sharing it with an audience.”

Will you be going to watch “The Miracle Worker?” Let us know in the comments below.