DM Playhouse's THE MIRACLE WORKER Begins Tonight

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents "The Miracle Worker," tonight, Jan. 16-Feb. 1, in the Kate Goldman Children's Theatre. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St.

This classic drama tells the story of Annie Sullivan (Sarah Hinzman) and her student, blind and mute Helen Keller (Ellie Miglin). "The Miracle Worker" dramatizes the volatile relationship between the lonely teacher and her charge. Trapped in a secret, silent world, unable to communicate, Helen is violent and spoiled, and treated by her family as a nuisance to be endured. Only Annie realizes that there is a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued from the dark, tortured silence. With scenes of intense physical and emotional dynamism, Annie's success with Helen finally comes with the utterance of a single, glorious word: "water."

The Playhouse cast is directed by Judith K. Hart. The cast includes Joanie Barlow, Madeline Cisneros, Olivia Colloton, Jerry Eisenhour, Susan Eisenhour, Carrie Hardisty, Isaac Helton, Jay Helton, Jack Ray, Donna Scarfe, and Alana Scherer.

On Saturday, Jan. 24, at the 4:00 PM performance, the Playhouse, in collaboration with Iowa Radio Reading Information Service for the Blind and Print Handicapped (IRIS), offers live audio description, broadcast to the entire audience. This special event will demonstrate this exciting new service that provides access to the theatre for guests who are blind or visually impaired.

The Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information about the Playhouse and "The Miracle Worker," contact the Playhouse ticket office at 515-277-6261.