The Miracle Worker
at Dominion High School

Reviewed on December 2, 2017

Molly Klemm
Tuscarora High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

Patience, they say, is a virtue. With this definition, no one could be more virtuous than the ever-patient Annie Sullivan. The Miracle Worker, performed with great heart by the students of Dominion High School, captures this remarkable woman's spirit and shows what determination can truly accomplish.

The Miracle Worker, written in 1959 by William Gibson and based on Annie Sullivan's autobiography, follows the story of a young teacher and her progress with a unique student, Helen Keller. Helen, who is both blind and deaf, has no way to communicate or understand the world around her. Annie Sullivan is hired to teach Helen, to pull her out of isolation, and to provide her tools with which she can build herself a normal life. The story is ripe with emotion, thought, and struggle as the two young women learn from each other and grow to have a greater understanding of the world.

A key aspect of Annie's journey is that she never wishes to change Helen, only to provide her a way to communicate. Noelle Hunter beautifully conveyed this concept. In a striking monologue, Annie begs Helen to understand her so Annie can teach her about the world. The expression in Hunter's voice and the desperation in her face cut directly to the audience's core. Noelle Hunter's commitment, facial expressions, and delivery consistently created both comedic and touching moments.

These moments were also supported by the strong connection built between Annie and Saskia Hunter's Helen. The two actresses created a dynamic that grew as the show progressed and culminated in a tear-jerking finale. Saskia Hunter perfectly captured the personality and expressions of her character without a word of dialogue. Between her accurate fingerspelling and her consistent "stimming", it was clear this actress had done her research. This attention to detail made the character realistic and caused the climactic finale to be all the more powerful.

The entire cast committed wholeheartedly to their characters and also paid attention to the smallest of details. These details, such as the adoption of southern and Irish accents, enhanced the audience's experience. The supporting characters had distinct personalities, many of which contradicted their scene partners. This was clear with the classic Southern poise and charm of Rebecca Williamson's Kate Keller. Contrasted with the gruff sternness of her husband (Josh Noah), the two played the perfect foil couple. Another standout performance was Josh Thomas as James Keller. His dry wit and well-delivered sarcasm had the audience rolling in their seats on more than one occasion.

The show's technical elements strengthened the performance, from a beautiful and sturdy permanent set to creative sound design. The few set changes were smooth and quick, the lovely sunset of lights reflected beautifully onto the cyclorama, and real food and water were used on the plates and in the Keller's famous water pump. The actors interacted with the props and set, sometimes in violent ways, but the stage held strong under the abuse. Though there was the occasional mishap, the actors reacted to these mistakes in character and to the great amusement of the audience. Set, props, and actors worked in tandem to elevate every scene.

Annie Sullivan showed that success is not brought about by miracles, but through hard work, determination, and perseverance. Dominion High School took this message to heart and, through some hard work of their own, produced an excellent show.

Lauren Bogle
Woodgrove High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

While ‘The Miracle Worker' questions the difference between love and pity, audience members of Dominion High School's production walked out feeling nothing but love! Based on Helen Keller's biography and a series of ‘teleplays' by the same name, the heartfelt piece exemplifies what it means to teach and be taught, sometimes at the same time. The piece covers the transition of Annie Sullivan (Noelle Hunter) as she struggles to teach a blind and deaf "wild child" (Saskia Hunter) how to understand the world around her. Dominion embraced the heavy implications of such a script with an attentive hand, and the results made everyone in attendance laugh, cry, and reflect.

From the opening scene to curtain call, consistency was key in this group. Both acting and tech were clean-cut and purposeful, with a clear nod to director and assistant directors, Amy Young and Patricia Kellcher, and stage managers Emily Caudill and Wyrick McCabe. The actors had in-depth understandings of their characters and were quick to communicate genuine connections with the people on stage with them. The tech categories all exhibited careful attention to symbolism and detail that made the show visually interesting and easy to follow. Additionally, though the set was very large, spanning across the entire stage most times, the blocking and execution used their space efficiently without making unnecessary or forced moves.

Noelle Hunter gave a beautiful performance as the quick-witted and headstrong Annie Sullivan. Her portrayal was one of nuance and expertise, professionally navigating her difficult role with all the grace required. She switched with ease between spurring witticisms, dramatic flashbacks and, at times, quick thinking improvisations, indicating a degree of comfort on the stage most don't achieve at home in bed! Playing opposite her, Saskia Hunter was engaging and detailed in her performance as Helen Keller. Comfortable on stage and with her fellow actors, Hunter developed into a well thought out portrayal of a very difficult character. She managed to show audience members the different sides of Helen, from the clinging child to the mischievous prankster, giving us the gray area she is meant to have. Both showed a committed and engaging performance, from Helen's stimming to Annie's quiet and selfless desperation.

The Hunters were supported by a dynamic and thoughtful cast. Rebecca Williamson was protective and motherly, but showed a quietly stubborn side; a determination that is not easily willed away. Josh Noah's ‘James Keller' was perfectly sarcastic and biting as he provided a degree of stability in his character's brutal honesty. Ray Rodriguez dealt with his character's comedic purpose with eagerness, keeping his performance clean while committing to the physical comedy that the show requires.

One word described the tech categories: detail. The sets were beautifully rich with abundant dimension in height, color, and texture, notably the working water pump. The set changes were fast and efficient, speaking toward a watchful hand or two. Set changes did not slow down or interrupt the show, and the set pieces moved quickly into place without fuss. While there were some inconsistencies in lighting execution, the lighting plot was beautifully symbolic, from the harsh ‘Alabama' lighting to the rapturous white-speckled blues. The props fit into scenes perfectly and the actors could use them with ease and comfort. While there were some difficult fight scenes, the actors could pull them off without a hitch.

Overall, Dominion High School created a truly beautiful and moving piece about love and trust, and overcoming difficulties. A moving experience for all audience members, the cast of ‘The Miracle Worker' should be proud of their apparent hard work.

Olivia Parker
Teens and Theatre Company
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

A plantation home, hoop skirts, and one unreachable child isolated from the rest of world. The remarkable story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan unfolded in Dominion High School's performance of The Miracle Worker.

A terrible fever in her infancy left Helen Keller without the ability to speak and hear. Ill-equipped to deal with this communication barrier, her desperate family created an anarchic environment at their 19th century plantation home, in which the entire household bent to young Helen's will.

Annie Sullivan, a persevering young teacher from the Perkins School for the Blind, struggles to teach young Helen a paradoxically complex concept through consistency and the newly created American Sign Language – words describe objects, or people, and that name gives that object a meaning. In doing so, she attempts to reach Helen's mind, the treasure trapped in a lonely safe.

Tests of will punctuated the show. Clashes between teacher and student, husband and wife, and father and son were brutally honest and played by many with deft skill. Dialog flowed from most actors so naturally that it felt like Improv. The set and props provided a home that the characters practically lived in.

Funny, outspoken, and compassionate, Noelle Hunter crackling performance as Annie Sullivan involved deft delivery of witty lines and outstanding work in the more serious, silent moments. Excelling as Helen Keller, Saskia Hunter's thorough research and commitment to character combined to create an incredibly honest performance of an intensely physical and complex role. When the two clashed, the often violent encounters were filled with purpose that stalwart commitment to objective that invoked passion the audience.

Enduring slammed doors and tantrums, the inviting set by Kevin Perez and Karina Medina, incorporated a dining room, parlor, front stoop, stairs, and upper bedroom. The "doll-house" style allowed the cast to really make the stage their home. The props, accumulated and made by Cas Frank, were all as periodically appropriate and charming as the set. A well with working hand pump made the final pivotal moment all the more impactful.

Annie's frustrating two weeks alone teaching Helen letters and words ended in a disastrous family dinner. Outside, Helen is upset and ever-obstinate as Annie takes her to refill a pitcher she has spilt. P-U-M-P, Annie dutifully spells before placing her young charge's hand on the object. Real water magically splashes through the pump and into the well as she does. W-A-T-E-R. Annie spells, dutifully as always. As if struck by lightning, something in Helen has changed. Eyes wide with insatiable curiosity, she understands. Helen touches her surroundings, and demands the words for everything encountered. S-T-O-N-E. G-R-O-U-N-D. Her family rushes to the yard to see this miracle, tears springing to her mother's eyes. M-A-M-A. P-A-P-A.

Finally, Helen questioningly turns to Annie. What is her meaning? Her name? Annie tearfully spells out to her transformed charge, T-E-A-C-H-E-R.

Noah Slayter
Teens and Theatre Company
Submitted for publication to Loudoun Now

"Have you ever been at sea in a dense fog when it seemed as if a tangible white darkness shut you in, and the great ship, tense and anxious, groped her way toward the shore… I was like that ship before my education began," said Helen Keller in her autobiography "The Story of My Life." Dominion High School's production of "The Miracle Worker" was filled with genuine acting and talented tech, to give a true understanding of the miracle that happened in the old Alabama town of Tuscumbia.

"The Miracle Worker" is the story of Helen Keller a deaf-blind girl and her "miracle worker" teacher, Annie Sullivan. The title comes from Mark Twain who first called Sullivan "the miracle worker," and the plot comes from Helen Keller's autobiography "The Story of My Life." There have been many productions of "The Miracle Worker" including a Broadway production in 1959 and a movie in 1962 staring Patty Duke as Helen Keller.

The character of Annie Sullivan has a difficult character arc as she moves from pitying Helen to loving her. There are some constants though since Annie never wishes to change Helen's dynamic nature, but instead give her a voice. Noelle Hunter played Sullivan with these themes in mind and portrayed Annie's struggle connecting with Helen very well.

Noelle's counterpart, Saskia Hunter, had great physicality. Although her character never spoke, that did not mean she wasn't heard. Saskia used her whole body to express the character's emotions and wants, and it always appeared that she was blind. It is not an easy feat to realistically stumble around and bang into things even though you can obviously see them.

Whenever the two Hunters were on stage together, there was certain to be something comical, either a witty comment delivered hilariously from Noelle or the pervasive physical comedy from Saskia. This delighted the audience with giggles and chuckles that brightened even the dreariest of scenes.

The set was well constructed. It clearly took quite a beating, yet held firm throughout the play. The background lighting set the time and mood for every scene. A yellow, classic, sun-up feel for the day and a blueish, purple background for the night. This enhanced the audience's experience so they did not have to ascertain the scene's time of day.

The entire cast of "The Miracle Worker" put a great deal of effort into their characters. Noelle and Saskia Hunter knew their characters well and the themes that went with each. They did an exceptional job portraying the intricacies of the relationship of Helen and Annie; a relationship that set a new tone of how we treat the physically disabled. The comedic timing for both actors was excellent. The technical aspects of the show overall added to the enjoyment of the performance.

Helen Keller gave gave a voice to the voiceless. This is the heart of the story, and our nation's soul.

Aubrey Winger
Loudoun Valley High School
Submitted for publication to Loudoun Times-Mirror

Dark glasses obscured the face of young Annie Sullivan as she stepped into the relentless Alabama sun. Although the light piercing her fragile eyes may have seemed impossibly intense, it was nothing compared to the bright future ahead of her. A future that would immortalize her for eternity. Dominion High School paid tribute to the life of this incredible woman and those she touched with their poignant rendition of The Miracle Worker.

The Miracle Worker premiered on Broadway in 1959, closing after 719 performances and 4 Tony Awards. Written by William Gibson, this profoundly moving show is based on segments of Helen Keller's biography "Story of My Life". Focused on the intimate relationship between Helen and her governess-teacher Annie Sullivan, this play is a powerful ode to the effect of patience on even the wildest of hearts.

As the title suggests, Annie Sullivan, portrayed by Noelle Hunter, was a miracle to witness on the stage. Her fiery temper and melodic Irish dialect perfectly juxtaposed her haunted past in a flawless performance. As the play progressed, she matured as much as Helen did, confronting her inner demons with newfound compassion.

Helen Keller (Saskia Hunter) created a character with extraordinary depth and youthfulness without uttering a sound. Her insatiable need to communicate was expressed through inarticulate moans and massive tantrums, while her untamed spirit shone through with an incredible level of authenticity. Whether it be the unique signals she developed to communicate her needs or her vacant stare and curious fingers, Hunter's physical expression was simply astounding.

Helen and Annie seized every moment together, letting their actions say more than words ever could. From their fervent battle at the dining room table to Helen's spontaneous grasp of fingerspelling, these two characters seamlessly evolved their relationship from one of animosity to one of affection.

James Keller's (Josh Thomas) snarky quips were complemented by his utterly charming Southern drawl. Completely disenchanted with Helen's antics, he provided an excellent foil to the entire Keller family. As Annie's confidence began to influence the entire household, Thomas and his stepmother Kate Keller (Rebecca Williamson) both stood their own against the oppressive Captain Keller (Josh Noah). Williamson had an immense character arc, transitioning from a submissive housewife who indulged her daughter without a second thought to courageous woman with an independent mind.

The levels of the set flowed beautifully, creating the illusion of elegant estate. The cyclorama backdrop was a picturesque image of a hazy Southern sky, illuminating the characters with vivid colors. General consistency in the lighting enhanced the performances onstage. In particular, the single spotlight and deep blue hues during Annie's flashbacks were simultaneously unsettling and isolating, complementing her frantic reactions perfectly.

The props team, composed of students Karina Medina, Kevin Perez, and Cas Frank, designed a working water pump that remained onstage throughout the entire show, foreshadowing to Helen's final moment of realization. As the barrier of language lifted and Helen's mind was suddenly freed water gushed out, mirroring this miraculous event.

To bring light to the world of the blind may seem an impossible task. However, Dominion High School proved time and time again that through faith anything is possible, even miracles.

Clara Im
Tuscarora High School
Submitted for publication to Dominion Torch

W-A-T-E-R. With the touch of rushing water and tactile signing of those five letters, Annie unlocks Helen's sealed voice to the world. It is finally the beginning of Helen's potential to shine. With beautiful moments such as this, Dominion High School's The Miracle Worker allowed the audience to feel the intense emotions of conquering one's hardships and the sentimental effects of self-growth.

The Miracle Worker was originally written as a teleplay by William Gibson in 1957. It later reached the Broadway stage as a play in 1959, winning many Tony's, including Best Play. Numerous movie adaptations were produced starting from 1962. The play follows Annie Sullivan, a young new teacher, and her mission to teach a deaf and blind girl, Helen, the concept of language.

Dominion High School's The Miracle Worker shined brightly with their talented cast, effective sets/lighting, and the ability to immerse the audience with poignant scenes.

The most difficult, complex acting was perfectly executed by Saskia Hunter who portrayed the juvenile Helen Keller. The commitment and consistency in Helen's demeanors and personality was amazing to watch as it truly brought her character to life on stage. Hunter's grand physicality and subtle, yet strong facial expressions captured the mischievous, stubborn, and intelligent personality of young Helen. Hunter's focus was impenetrable which was a great feat to master.

Noelle Hunter also matched with Saska Hunter's astonishing acting with her portrayal of Annie Sullivan. Hunter's earnest delivery of her lines with her unwavering Irish accent gripped the attention of the audience. The genuine compassion and building frustration for Helen seeped through in Hunter's acting. Saskia and Noelle had great comedic chemistry together in their mildly violent and physical scenes, such as the spoon scene. Scenes with no dialogue between the two were just as powerful as the ones with meaningful words from Annie.

The supporting cast were standouts on their own. James Keller, the troublesome half-brother of Helen's, was portrayed by Josh Thomas spectacularly. With a smug smirk and snide statements, Thomas was able to grasp the essence of a sarcastic, conceited teenager who struggles to accept his new stepmother. The comic relief that was provided by Thomas were delivered appropriately, breaking the serious tone of the play for some witty humor. The mother of Helen, Kate Keller, was characterized by Rebecca Williamson with poise. Williamson got the maternal protection for Helen across to the audience very well. Her sweet, motherly voice was even more impressionable with her consistent Southern accent. Rebecca Williamson and Josh Noah (Captain Keller) had good dynamics by depicting contrasting attitudes, warmth, and discipline toward their child.

The technical aspects of the show amplified the already strong performances of the actors and actresses. Leveled set were cleverly built as the audience were able to see each character's whereabouts and to glimpse who the character really is in their moments without being the focus of the scene. Set was visually pleasing to the eye, choosing a fitting color palette for a 19th century Southern home. Lights were complimented the color tones of the set as well. Lights of cyclorama consisted of pretty colors of cool blues, light yellows, and warm oranges to illustrate the changing sky. The harshness and gentleness of the lights affected the mood nicely.

Helen Keller once said that life is a daring adventure or nothing at all. Dominion High School definitely got this message across as they produced a show about how hardships are part of everyone's life and those bumpy roads are what makes the lovely moments even more cherished as one triumphs over tribulations.

Meredith Nolan
West Springfield High School
Submitted for publication to Dominion Torch

"Language is to the mind more than light is to the eye." In Dominion High School's moving production of The Miracle Worker, this was certainly the case in the tale of Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan as they defy all odds, conquering a feat considered impossible.

The play, written by William Gibson, premiered on Broadway in 1959, enjoying a successful run and winning multiple Tony Awards, including Best Play. The Miracle Worker was later adapted into a 1962 film starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke. The show follows the early life of Helen Keller, who was left both blind and deaf following a fever as an infant, causing her to be completely nonverbal. Helen's parents, Captain Arthur and Kate, have in turn spoiled her out of pity, allowing chaos to ensue as she lashes out at her family in rage. In a desperate last hope, the Keller's hire Annie Sullivan, a governess and teacher. The two commence a battle of determination and begin a journey towards understanding each other and the world around them.

The cast effortlessly worked as a unit, reacting with physical movements and creating tangible relationships. Saskia Hunter, as Helen Keller, was a highlight of the show, as she perfected every intricacy to her youthful character with a graceful transformation from a scared young girl to one equipped with the understanding of language. Hunter never broke character and consistently portrayed the actions of a blind and deaf girl with wild movements and a blank stare. Noelle Hunter, as Annie Sullivan, truly embodied the stubborn nature of the Irish teacher, never faltering on her accent. The chemistry between the two was remarkable and the famous dinner scene helped to strengthen the idea that the scenes without lines were some of the most memorable.

Rebecca Williamson, as Kate Keller, brought southern charm to the show, as the gentle mother of Helen. Williamson's pain was evident, but she also carried certain strength within her as she found it in herself to stand up to her husband. Josh Thomas, as James Keller, brought a comedic element to the show, as the disinterested half-brother. Thomas may have had a small part, but each line he delivered packed a punch. It was the evident connection felt by this family that helped to bring this show together.

The technical production of this show was quite remarkable in the fact that each aspect seemed to intertwine with the others. The bright lights on the stark white walls of the set hinted at the harsh Alabama sun and helped the audience understand how Annie's eyes were affected by the move. A well pump sat on the side of the stage throughout the play, alluding to the end of the story and eliciting gasps from the audience as the pump was revealed as fully functioning. Voiceovers were utilized to portray Annie's flashbacks and created a nice transition as sets were changed. Although there was a few malfunctions with the sound, improvisation by the cast was truly commendable.

The cast and crew of Dominion High School's production of The Miracle Worker captivated with a miraculous performance sure to stick with the audience "forever and ever."