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“Is it true that Helen Keller is ‘handicapped’ — as, indeed, who is not? But that which distinguished her is not her handicap hut the extent to which she has overcome it, and even profited by it. She calls for sympathy ami understanding, but not for pity,”This quote, laken front the introduction to Helen Keller’s autobiography entitled, “Tito Story of My Texemplifies [he point which the Curtain Callers so ably put across in their first performance of “The Miracle Worker,Tins inspiring story of Helen Keller, born in 3S3I) in a little town in northern Alabama ami deprived of her sight and hearing during her 13th month of life — and her determined leather. Annie Sullivan, who suffered a childhood of neglect in I lie notorious almshouse in Tuwhyljury, Mass. — is relair! with stark simplicity on the stage at the Playhouse,The stubli unless of the “teacher”, is portrayed in excellent casting, we might add, by Mrs. William (June) Walls, whose determination to set off that ’spark’ in her pupil is exceeded only by Annie’s ability to learn — once the lesson of nbcdieace has been instilled.PageServing as a page in the West Virginia Legislature Thursday was Roger Conk (above), a senior at Tran Hill High School.Roger is the sou of Mr. suit! Mrs. Eugene Cook, Lester._ Michael Lilly, a Shady Spring Iligh School student and son of Mr. and Mrs. Glen-den Lilly, is serving as a page today.Annie, herself nearly blind, brings just enough humor into her performance to keep (he theatre - goer from staying teary - eyed throughout the play. In her herculean efforts to get one word into Annie’s mind, site asks the thought-provoking question, “is 11)0 life of a sou! Jess important (ban that of the body?”The talents of Gwen Rail all, a Woodrow Wilson High School senior, once again shine through as she gives a magnificent performance in her role of a child cast into a void of darkness through ike lass of hoi- sight and hearing.We can only say “Bravo!” to both Miss Rahall and June Walls.However, no less of an accolade is due the supporting east, who, Tor the most part, were also outstanding in their respective reles.William Snyder, as the newspaper publisher-fattier, Cuplain Keller, gave his usual competent performance. He and Mrs. Keller, played by Muriel Hodel, are torn by their love and needed discipline for Helen, Both Snyder and Mrs. Hodel seem to have a natural stage instinct, a characteristic displayed in past pen o rni a ti ces.Lyle Weagel, as the sarcastic ’■half-brother” James, turned in a very believable performance anti kept the pace of the play moving right along.The type of role filled by Mrs. Frankie Wheeler, as the interfering Aunt Ev, seems almost perfect for lliis veteran Curtain Caller. Mrs, Bernice Henry as Viuey, the family servant, hits just the right nnlc throughout the play, and, as usual, turned in a top-notch performance.The bit roles of the Doctor by Jim Wheeler and Martha as portrayed by Carman Hajash were well-filled, as were the parts of the three Jitile Wind girls — Frances Hamilton, Lisa Kessineyer and Linda Passu!.Wheeler is a veteran lxith on and off the stage while Carman is a newcomer. The little girls were most apculing as friends of Annie’s at the Perkins Institute for the Blind in Boston.Malialcel Luster as Percy, the young boy i:i the Keller family's servants household, was vert natural as he somewhat reluctantly helped Annie with the task of teaching Helen.The much - heralded eyclo-rnma was in place but' the lighting, designed to go hand-in-hand with the 11 eye” was not complete and therefore may have left soiHelliing to he desired to (hose connected directly with the play, but to this writer (he lighting was quite •adequate, and the seeming starkness of the stage settings (as com pared to other CC productions) only added to Hie naked realism of this particular production.The costumes, beautiful as expected under the experiencedSicily • JitljiA teacher - pupil scene from “The Miracle Worker” is enacted in this photo as Annie Sullivan (June Walls-left) struggles in teach her famed student, Helen Keller (Gwen Rahall).Ill the play Miss Sullivan comments with a determined Irish air, illy idea of the original sin is ‘giving up'”!Both Miss ltahall ami Mrs. * * * *As with each director. Curtain Caller productions are handled differently ami this one had no curtain culls at tins end. Possibly tliis was tuennl to give added effect li Hie drama, which, indeed, was a new •high' reached by this local community liieulre group.Director Ewe I Cornett should be thanked for bringing the best of playwright William Gibson to (lie Playhouse stage. The story of one stricken blind is a real cycopcner fnr those wiio receive the message intended-—nr to quote from Helen Keller’s hook, All is not lost. After all, sight and hearing are but two o( the beautiful blessings which God has Riven me. The most precious and wonderful is still mine,” said Miss Keller, referring to her mind.Walls enduret! much during rehearsals of “Tim Miracle Worker” as (hey perfected exhausting scenes of many struggles which occurred between Dm teacher and her pupil. The fight to grasp the miipl (if a deaf and blind girl was long, but in Hie end rewarding, as the word w-a-t-c-r unlocked the door (o the mind of Hie famed Helen Keller,* * * Alocal stage. And if you’re very tender-hearted, bring some tissues as the talents of the actors anti Hie impact of the message will likely bring a lump to your throat and tears in your eyes. Anyone working with, or interested in people who nro so-called ’handicapped’ are particularly urged to see this production as you'll be sure to be greatly inspired,,Our congratulations again to director (and aclor) Ewel Cor-nctt,—Betty Bare(Mcrr/cm Meeting“Tile Future Of Religion,” !t sermon by Dr. Car! II. Olson of the First UniversalisL Church of Mineapolis, will be read at a
Newspaper Details
Raleigh Register
Beckley, West Virginia, US
Fri, Jan 26, 1968
Page 3
Full Page
Clipped by
David W.
NA, NA 19 Jan 2024
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