The Theatre Department starts this year’s season off with the production of “The Miracle Worker”by William Gibson. It is the timeless story of a young Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan. Kate Mueller takes on the challenging role of the blind and deaf Helen Keller; alongside her is Cyndii Johnson as Annie Sullivan. Together the two have been able to illustrate the profound relationship between these two historical women.
This is the second time the Theatre Department has done “The Miracle Worker.” W. Stuart McDowell, the chair of the department as well as the Artistic Director, said he specifically chose this play because it’s “timeless and timely,” with immeasurable amounts of importance to any time period.
“This play is about relationships and discovery,” said McDowell, who stated that this play is relatable to all ages, especially at Wright State. Being a landmark play on disabilities, McDowell felt this would be well suited for Wright State’s disability-friendly campus with all the underground tunnels and other benefits.
Although this play is historic, the director, Lee Merrill, takes on another challenge by casting a colorblind cast, especially when the movie version of the play has been just as popular as the play itself. When McDowell was asked if he thought this would affect the popularity of the show, he had no doubt that Johnson would surmount the original conception of Annie Sullivan and that the play holds a “truth that transcends race.”
Show times are 7 p.m. on Sept. 20, 26, 27, 8 p.m. on the 21, 22, 28, 29 and 2 p.m. on the 23, 29, 30. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for students and seniors. If you like this show, consider buying a subscription for the entire season, which includes tickets to all performances. For more information contact the Box Office at (937) 775-2500.
