The Miracle Worker
at Tesoro

Reviewed on February 9, 2018

Audrey Mitchell
University
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Love and language in Tesoro's "Miracle Worker"
written by Audrey Mitchell, a senior at University High School

Helen has been deaf, blind, and coddled since infancy. Annie is near-blind herself and haunted by the ghost of her brother. Both are in desperate need of a miracle. But when the two meet in a clash of wits and obstinance, will Annie be able to instill the power of language in someone who cannot see or hear?

Tesoro High School's "Miracle Worker" features dedicated actors and detailed technical elements that work together to create an evocative and entertaining show.

With eyes that are constantly open wide and fixed on some unseen horizon, Gianna Piva is feral and unkempt as the deaf-blind Helen Keller. Staggering across stage with arms outstretched to feel for furniture, Piva communicates primarily through grunts and groans.

Complementing Piva is Julia Pacific as Annie Sullivan, Helen's headstrong teacher. Pacific is often out of sorts as she attempts to teach an impossible student, whether laughing bawdily at her own off-kilter jokes or gesticulating wildly. When she finally teaches Helen what language is, Pacific half-laughs and half-sobs "oh my god" as she cradles the girl to her chest.

One particularly tumultuous scene quickly devolves into a food fight as Annie attempts to instill in Helen some proper table manners. Piva and Pacific spare no expense as they wrestle, knock over chairs, toss silverware across stage, throw each other against furniture, and spit food.

Carson Preusse adds humorous counterpoint as James Keller, Helen's brother. Whether lounging against a doorframe eating an apple or complaining as he grabs a ladder from offstage, Preusse is outwardly lanky and self-assured, but still scared of his father.

The dozens of detailed and historically accurate props (Gianna Piva, Brooke Semelsberger, Samantha Melanson) add greatly to the realism of the show. All the food onstage is completely real, chosen after weeks of testing to determine which foods are the best for spitting and throwing. The cherry on top is the fully functional water pump that Annie iconically uses to finally get through to Helen.

The costumes (Jessie Richard) express each character's personality and development. Helen initially wears bloomers and a smock but by the end changes to a floor-length floral dress, showing her gradual domestication. Meanwhile, Annie sports a pair of darkened glasses.

Tesoro High School's "Miracle Worker" relies on talented actors and meticulous technical elements to poignantly explore the sweet story of love and language.

Mitra Alikhani
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Tesoro's "The Miracle Worker" is truly touching
written by Mitra Alikhani, a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

Inside the Keller home, Helen becomes more frustrated with her sightless and soundless world. As tension among the family rises, Helen's parents finally decide to hire Annie Sullivan: a troubled yet determined young woman who is motivated to show Helen the joys of life beyond her dark and silent mind.

Tesoro High School's production of "The Miracle Worker" relives a world-renowned story of perseverance and explores the idea of physical disability and Helen Keller's understanding of the world.

Gianna Piva leads as Helen Keller. Piva's committed and realistic depiction of Keller can be seen in the blank look in her eye as she shuffles across the stage, navigating entirely by with her hands. Her desperation and frustration when throwing tantrums and fighting with her teacher Annie Sullivan, gives a glimpse into Helen's mind and her constant struggle for understanding.

The energetic and motivated Annie Sullivan is portrayed by Julia Pacific. Pacific's performance as Annie is candid and honest as she reflects on her challenging childhood, but her strength can be seen in her resolution to help Helen. Whether forcing a spoon into Piva's clenched fist at the dinner table or repeatedly finger spelling words into Piva's hands, Pacific embodies Sullivan's tenacity and commitment to teaching.

Captain Arthur Keller (Tyler Munro) and Kate Keller (Natalie Pappalardo) are Hellen's doting yet defeated parents. Munro and Pappalardo express this conflicted attitude perfectly: their constant struggle between appeasing Helen with toys and food and disciplining her for hitting people and eating with her hands persists throughout the entire show.

The set is minimalist yet elegant, with impressions of a willow tree given by swaths of fabric draping down from above. The set designers worked with the props team to create an impressive and functional water pump that is significant of the first time Helen understands a word.

The minimalist set is accented by detailed and thorough props, which provide a realistic aspect to the show. Designed by Gianna Piva, Brooke Semelsberger, and Samantha Melanson, the entirely homemade food is important in showing how Helen interacts with the world.

"The Miracle Worker" at Tesoro High School teaches that worth is not determined by ability and to persevere through insurmountable challenges.

Martin Perez
Aliso Niguel
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Tesoro opens eyes with "The Miracle Worker"
written by Martin Perez, a junior at Aliso Niguel High School

Tesoro High School presents the heartwarming tale of "The Miracle Worker", based on the life of Helen Keller and how, despite being deaf and blind, she was able to learn discipline and language with the help of her teacher, Annie Sullivan. Actors demonstrate immense maturity and skill in their retelling of the tragic life and circumstances of Helen's life.

Gianna Piva as Helen exceptionally portrays the difficulties arising throughout the poor girl's life. With eyes glazed over and the occasional grunt of frustration, Piva encapsulates the hardships of being blind and mute, constantly stumbling into objects while walking. Piva wonderfully expresses her emotions using only physical gestures and movements, considering her inability to speak. Annie Sullivan, portrayed by Julia Pacific, establishes her determination to help Helen learn language despite the Kellers' disbelief that Helen can truly learn anything. Pacific appears isolated from the rest of the family, and treats Helen in a colder, more aggressive manner to better teach her obedience. Pacific portrays great strength, persevering despite many failed attempts at teaching Helen what words mean.

Carson Preusse as James Keller portrays Helen's snarky stepbrother who is constantly pushed aside by his father, Captain Arthur Keller (Tyler Munro). Preusse develops his character as the play progresses, beginning submissive and obedient to his father's demands, but eventually learning to stand up for himself and speak his mind.

Lighting design by Adrianna Ciscone helps set the mood for the show and establishes the setting of each scene. Bright, vibrant colors to describe daytime contrast darker, richer colors used to portray nighttime. The use of blood red also creates an eerie feeling during flashback scenes to Annie's childhood at the orphanage.

Set design by Chelsea McCormick, Caitlyn Vera, Will Vochelli, and Tiffany Esparza creates scenes with many different settings by mixing realistic and representational set pieces. Elaborate pieces, including kitchenware and bedrooms, contrast the more representational ones, such as door frames to demonstrate where a door should be while allowing better visibility. Green vines made out of loofas establish where the greenhouse is in a creative and interpretative manner, while the construction of a functional water pump allows for better visualization as Helen finally comprehends what water is.

Tesoro High School stuns with "The Miracle Worker", demonstrating excellence in portraying such a dramatic and heart-warming story with such ease and grace.