The Miracle Worker is the inspiring story of American author, political activist and lecturer Helen Keller.
Left deaf and blind and unable to communicate at 19 months old from a childhood illness, Keller grew to be a spoiled and indulged 7-year-old until Anne Sullivan became her teacher.
The Little Theater of Walla Walla will present the play Nov. 20-21, 27-28 and Dec. 4-5.
Keller's story first was adapted into a Broadway play in 1959 and ran for two years before it was made into a feature film in 1962. The play and film starred Patty Duke as Keller and Anne Bancroft as Annie Sullivan. Both won Oscars for their roles.
The story follows the determination, strength and love that evolved between Keller and her teacher.
Sullivan was able to break through Helen's isolation and develop a language that allowed Helen to communicate in the late 1800s.
Husband and wife team of Terry and Sherry McConn are co-directers for the drama.
"We both graduated from Whitman College with degrees in dramatic arts and have co-directed many times in the past," Terry McConn said. "We quit directing together in 1978 while we raised our kids then restarted in 2002 at the community college here."
The Miracle Worker is their first venture together for The Little Theater.
Taking on the role of Helen is Cassidy Meliah, 11, of Walla Walla. She beat out 30 other youngsters for the role.
"Cassidy has done an amazing job," McConn said. "She stood out in the audition process because she was believable as the blind Helen. She also brought a darkness to the role that tapped into the character beautifully."
Jessica Barkl portrays Anne Sullivan with Topher Murphy as the doctor, Shauna Lilly Bogley and Gil Alden as Helen's parents.
◗ Dori O'Neal: 582-1514; doneal@tricityherald.com
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Ratings by the Motion Picture Association of America are: (G) for general audiences; (PG) parental guidance urged because of material possibly unsuitable for children; (PG-13) parents are strongly cautioned to give guidance for attendance of children younger than 13; (R) restricted, younger than 17 admitted only with parent or adult guardian; (NC-17) no one younger than 17 admitted.
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