Great Local Shows - Theatrical Reviews
| Title | The Miracle Worker |
| Organization | Sutter Street Theatre |
| Date(s) of show | February 8 - March 9, 2014 |
| Reviewer | Dick Frantzreb |
| Review |
Helen Keller was an important, inspirational figure
in American history. And the story of how Anne Sullivan brought her
out of the isolation of deafness and blindness is powerfully
depicted in The Miracle Worker. The play itself is well
written, engaging an audience, not only with the drama of the early
interaction of teacher and pupil, but with thought-provoking
insights. The small, intimate space of Sutter Street Theatre (with
a well thought out and surprisingly elaborate set) creates an
effective setting for this story. For me, it was drama that, after
a fairly slow start, drew me in, grabbed me by my emotional handle,
and held me there until the end.
Among the cast of 13, there were some truly fine
actors, but the success of a production like this rises and falls on
the quality of the two main characters – and they were superb. Camy
Rae Wilson was totally believable as Helen. Without the help of any
dialog (obviously, because young Helen was mute), she crafted her
character with consistency and intensity from the moment she
appeared on stage. And Heather Warren did beautifully in
portraying the internal conflicts and personal strengths of Anne
Sullivan, especially her assertiveness and determination. But it
was the interaction of the two principals that was so forcefully and
effectively done – full of physical action that seemed perfectly
choreographed.
I expected a good story when I went to see the show,
but there was much more to it than that. It was an evening of
intensive, fulfilling entertainment. And if you miss it, especially
the extraordinary interaction between Helen and Anne, you will have
missed something truly special.
|
