The classic play "Miracle Worker" that opened on Broadway in 1959 staring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke is the current presentation of Stained Glass Theatre in Jefferson City.
Directed by Melanie Thompson with assistant director Gail Clements, the play tells the story of Helen Keller who was born blind and deaf. Her family contacted Anne Sullivan to help with her education. Sullivan literally works a "miracle" to open the world to the almost feral child.
Helen is played by Emily Thompson the daughter of the director and Melony said that when she realized her daughter wanted to try out for the part she totally removed herself from the judging.
Melanie said working with her daughter has been both a challenge and a joy. She has watched her develop the character and put herself into the role and this has made her very proud both as a director and as a mother.
Kayla Norton play the role of Anne Sullivan. Captain Keller is played by Thom Kirk and Kate Keller is played by Robin Riley.
Part of the challenge for director Thompson has been the physical movements and scenes between Keller and Sullivan. In teaching Helen, Sullivan uses some very physical methods. Thompson said that these have been carefully choregraphed to avoid injury. The actors have rehearsed them so many times that now it has become almost second nature. If a knife or napkin falls when it is not supposed to they are developing the stage presence to work this into the scene.
The theater has purchased a spotlight and Thompson said this is helping show the flashbacks that Sullivan has during the show.
She and Clements have been responsible for procuring many of the period pieces and prop pieces on the set. They are also handling the costumes for the production. She said that visiting the antique shops has been a lot of fun for them.
Thompson is a librarian and said the research into the period to make sure they acurately portray it has been fun for her.
"This show has shown us that nothing is impossible and things can be achieved with enough work. This fits into the philosophy of Stained Glass Theatre," Thompson said.
At a glance
What: "Miracle Worker" at Stained Glass Theatre
When: Sept. 12-28, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 2 p.m. Saturdays
Where: 830 E. High Street, Jefferson City
Tickets: $9 except opening night $7, 573-634-5313 or www.sgtmidmo.org.