Review: Ocean State Theatre Stages Inspiring, Uplifting MIRACLE WORKER

Helen Keller's story is an enduring inspiration. A mysterious ailment left her deaf, blind, and mute when she was only a toddler, but she refused to be defined by her physical handicaps. Keller proved an avid scholar, an eloquent author and lecturer, and a tenacious social and political advocate throughout her lifetime. But perhaps the most familiarly known part of Keller's biography remains the pivotal moment when her teacher, Annie Sullivan, broke into Keller's dark, silent existence with the dual gifts of understanding and language.

The events leading up to this turning point are dramatized in William Gibson's stage adaptation of The Miracle Worker. At age 6, Keller had no comprehension of the world outside of herself. Her behavior was unruly and ungovernable as her inability to communicate led to tantrums of epic proportions, and her parents desperately sought for any solution that would keep their child out of an asylum. Their unlikely "miracle worker" came in the form of the young, strong-willed Sullivan, whose own experience with vision loss put her at a unique advantage in appreciating Keller's plight.

Ocean State Theatre Company's staging of The Miracle Worker, under the direction of Amiee Turner, brings this compelling story to life with dignity and warmth. The production underscores tensions in the family home as well as the heartbreak of Keller's near-total isolation, but it also provides for lighthearted, laughter-filled moments along the way. Much of this humor comes through Brittany Rolfs' charming portrayal of Sullivan. Rolfs plays Sullivan with a wry Bostonian wit, suggesting that the habit of meeting adversity with a jest reflects both Sullivan's resilient, good-natured determination as well as the emotional walls she built to defend against her own tragic past.

Sullivan's self-imposed commission - to teach Keller not only words but the meanings behind them - sets up a battle of wills between instructor and pupil. These crucial encounters again blend comedy and tragedy as Keller repeatedly tests the limits of Sullivan's endurance. Laurel McMahon (a young rising star on the Rhode Island theater scene) hints at Keller's vibrant personality and keen mind through her inquisitive nature, and she manages even the most physically demanding scenes while maintaining Keller's sightless gaze and aloof detachment.

Rolfs and McMahon are a commendable team, especially during such "teachable moments" as learning discipline at the breakfast table and the iconic breakthrough at the water pump. There is a discernable change in McMahon's demeanor when Keller finally makes the connection between Sullivan's finger spelling and the water trickling over her hands. And Rolfs tugs every heartstring in the house when Sullivan's long-held defenses finally break down and she admits she loves her young charge.

OSTC's Miracle Worker features a solid supporting cast, including Kevin B. McGlynn as the all bluster, no bite Captain Keller and Joseph Depietro as Helen's older half-brother, James Keller. The conflicts between this father and son provide a deeper glimpse into the dynamics of the household, above and beyond the challenges of caring for a deaf-and-blind child. Ken Martin's scenic and lighting designs also deserve a nod. Martin's staging beautifully evokes gracious southern living with a rose trellis and trailing wisteria drooping at the kitchen door and willow trees framing the Kellers' cream-colored homestead.

Performances of The Miracle Worker run through April 17, 2016 at the Ocean State Theatre. A post-show discussion will follow the matinee performance on Sunday, April 3. Tickets range from $34-49 and can be purchased online at www.OceanStateTheatre.org, by phone (401) 921-6800, or at the OSTC box office, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI. Rush tickets are available. Call (401) 921-1777 x112 for information on group discounts.

---
Pictured: Brittany Rolfs and Laurel McMahon as Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller
Photo by Mark Turek

To post a comment, you must register and login.