Log Art Theatre will stage 'The Miracle Worker'

Feb. 15—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — A classic story of individual growth, family struggles and prevailing over adversity will take center stage in this production.

Log Art Theatre will present William Gibson's "The Miracle Worker" at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 7 p.m. Feb. 22 through 24, and at 2 p.m. Sunday and Feb. 25 in the M. Josephine Paul Family Museum at Community Arts Center of Cambria County, 1217 Menoher Blvd., Johnstown.

Immortalized on screen by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, the Tony Award-winning play is the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, Helen Keller, who lost her sight and hearing at the age of 19 months.

With compassion, humor and dramatic tension, "The Miracle Worker" explores the volatile relationship between a lonely teacher and her headstrong charge.

Trapped in a secret, silent world and unable to communicate, young Helen is violent and spoiled, treated by her family as subhuman.

Only Annie sees a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued from Helen's dark, tortured silence.

After scenes of intense physical and emotional struggle, Helen's breakthrough finally arrives with the utterance of a single, glorious word — water.

Angela R. Godin, executive director of the arts center and director of the play, said that "The Miracle Worker" holds a special place in her heart because it was the first production she directed in April 2006.

"This production has such witty, fascinating and complex characters, but what makes it all the more powerful was that these individuals were real," she said.

"They overcome so much as individuals and as a family. Through the tireless efforts of one Annie Sullivan, she changed the world for Helen and many within the blind and visually impaired, and deaf and hard of hearing communities to this day."

Godin said their legacy and tenacity pushed unpopular topics to the forefront of people's minds and heart, taking the mindset of people being "deaf, dumb and blind" and throwing that stigma away.

"Their story is one of breaking down barriers and seeing people beyond the surface of what they are inside and what they can become with help," she said. "This production of 'The Miracle Worker' is a true, do-not-miss, once-in-a-lifetime experience."

The cast includes Maggie Borodach as Annie Sullivan; Avalee Reighard as Helen Keller; Jose Luis Otero as Capt. Arthur Keller; Allenna Shellenberger as Kate Keller; Kaci Noon as James Keller; Dolly Lopresti as Aunt Ev; Todd Hall as Dr. Anagnos and doctor; Trish Schutte as Viney; Niya Bennett as Martha and blind child; Walker Gore-Kowchuck as Percy and blind child; Dominic Paolillo as blind child; and Sue Brick as audio describer.

"I am truly blessed to be able to bring the production to life with an exceptional cast of adults and young people," Godin said. "Their passion for the show and their willingness to commit to these characters is astounding."

Through support from the Cambria County Association for the Blind & Handicapped as corporate sponsor and Sign Language Specialists of Western PA Inc. as a thespian sponsor, the arts center is able to provide an innovative and unique experience where audience members will have their viewing experience enhanced through the accessibility of live audio description and ASL (American Sign Language) interpreters during each performance, organizers said.

It will aid those who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, while also enhancing the experience for those attending, ensuring that no one misses any part of the story of overcoming adversity and barriers.

The audio description will be provided audibly for the audience over the sound system, transforming the accessibility component of the audio describer into an additional cast character. This makes the audio describer part of the production, with an interwoven purpose as part of the show and less disruptive to the actors and audience, but also an enrichment for those who can utilize it, organizers said.

Tickets are $15 for members and $19 for nonmembers.

An opening night party will be held following the Thursday production. Cost is an additional $15, and registration is required in advance.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the arts center at 814-255-6515 or online at www.caccc.org.