Spring play leaves crowd speechless
Senior Catherine Ross on the set of The Miracle Worker during a dress rehearsal on March 18.
The Miracle Worker, which took place from March 19-22, had “the most audience members for a spring play” that director Paul Atwood can remember.
The play was based on the true story of the deaf, blind, mute, and remarkably inspirational historical figure Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan. Senior Catherine Ross played Helen Keller and junior Maddy Atwood played Annie Sullivan.
“The hardest part of playing Helen was not being able to react to anything happening on stage. You had to be a lot more physical, and that was a new experience,” Ross said. “I got to interact with the cast in a way other than just saying lines. Usually there isn’t as big of an audience with the spring play, but this year, especially the last night, we had a good turnout.”
“Catherine and Maddy had great instincts when they were onstage — it’s hard for anyone to imagine not being able to talk, hear, or see. They really pulled it off amazingly,” Paul said. “This was the easiest cast to work with in a long time. They were all friends, and when it was time to get some work done, they all put their nose to the ground and focused.”
Paul Atwood said he was most impressed by how everything, including lights and sound, was run by students.
“Some shows you’re just ready to be done with, but not this one. I felt like we could have toured this show; there was such an amazing cast and crew. The crowd grew every night, and mostly by word of mouth. People were saying, ‘You have to see this show! It’s great!’”
But Paul Atwood didn’t think the show was successful simply based on turnout; he found that the community was greatly receptive of the storyline.
“In terms of educational substance, this show was way up there. Everyone that came [to the show] learned about a historical figure. The response from the middle school and grade school students who came up to watch was great,” Paul Atwood said.
“Now that it’s over, I’m relieved. Hell week (the last week before the show) is always AHHH! But when it all came down to it, it’s like a light went off with the cast. They all knew just what to do.”
