NFLT: The Miracle Worker

Natalie Reynolds | Dec 02, 2015

(with files from Jeff Green)

On November 29, North Frontenac Little Theatre ran their final performance of “The Miracle Worker”, and what a brilliant and empowering production it was. The plot follows the lives of Helen Keller, her family, and her teacher, Annie Sullivan.

Keller, due to an illness contracted at the age of 19 months, became permanently deaf and blind. The play was an accurate portrayal of the disciplinary struggles that Sullivan faced while coaching Keller on obedience, language and the raw foundations of appropriate human behavior.

Meanwhile, Keller’s family, in a desperate and naive effort to protect her by using pity and love, objected to every form of help Sullivan provided. Sullivan was convinced that Keller was more disabled by her over-entitlement than her deafness and blindness.

“The Miracle Worker” was a well-rehearsed, family-appropriate play with themes and humour that could appeal to a variety of age groups and audiences. It reached beyond Keller’s struggles and gave new insight into the hardships that Keller’s family and teacher faced. You could feel the frustration and despondency that Sullivan, played by Annika Putnam, experienced while trying to control Keller’s tantrums and while helping her to make the connection between words and objects. Putnam, who is only 12 herself, did a remarkable job portraying Sullivan as a cheeky, stubborn 20-year-old girl in a world dominated by middle-aged men. As the play progresses her own demons and insecurities come out, and Putnam was up to the task of showing Sullivan's growth, a key component of the play.

Although, as Helen Keller, Sydney Drew played the part of a silent person, her actions were expressive and convincing. Keller’s limited tactile connection to the world and the constant frustration caused by her inability to communicate was well portrayed by Drew throughout the play.

Many of the scenes were long and contained complicated and articulate dialogue, and the entire cast did an impressive job remembering their lines and staying true to their characters. NFLT veterans John Stephens, Angie Cowdy and Pam Giroux were very solid. Barbie Matson as Helen's mother was particularly convincing, as was Nick Alarcon as Helen's half brother.

The set was simple yet effective. The lighting and sound management was accurate, timely and well controlled. Many of the themes of discipline and family dynamics still resonate with anyone of this generation who is experiencing similar struggles.

Although the story of Helen Keller is fairly well known, the plot was well delivered and informative enough that it wasn’t necessary to have had any background knowledge to enjoy and understand the play.

Overall, “The Miracle Worker” was a thoughtful production with deep themes that resonate throughout the ages. The play has inspired me, and undoubtedly many others, to further research Helen Keller’s life to find out what happened after the final curtain call.

Yet another great job by NFLT!