Saratoga News
Education
Photograph by George Sakkestad
The Saratoga High School fall play is 'The Miracle Worker,' featuring (from left) Sarah Thermond as Annie Sullivan, Emily Harter as Helen Keller, Alexia Dox as Kate Keller and James Knight as Arthur Keller. The play opens Oct. 26 and tells the story of the relationship between blind, deaf and mute Keller and her teacher Sullivan.
Students working miracles in high school play
By Michele Tjin
Kathleen Woods searched high and low for an appropriate school play with a Halloween theme, in honor of the performance dates at the end of the month. The Saratoga High School drama teacher considered mysteries and others tales of fright, but nothing seemed fitting enough. Instead, the larger-than-life Dracula and Frankenstein lost out to a little girl who discovers the power of language.
High school thespians are putting on The Miracle Worker this fall, and Woods, who is directing, said she finally settled on the play because of the story's wide appeal and its timeless message.
"It's not sappy," Woods said. "Even in the most difficult situations, something good can come out of it. That's something that we as human beings should remember."
The Miracle Worker tells the story of the early relationship between blind, deaf and mute Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan. It's an emotional production with intense scenes. Some rehearsals have even brought tears, Woods said.
As Helen Keller, senior Emily Harter said it's been nice not having any lines to memorize, but what's harder is to be deaf and blind.
"In rehearsals, I've been blindfolded and had earplugs. I've done some exercises where I identify everyone by their hands and hair," Emily said.
With the challenge of playing someone with disabilities and the chance to improve as an actress, Emily said the play was appealing because of the lessons presented to the audience.
"I like the message of redemption," she said. "That for a soul as lost as Helen Keller's, there was still a savior for her."
At a recent rehearsal, Emily and Sarah Thermond, who plays Sullivan, practiced a staged fight scene in which the teacher tries to instill manners in her student, who rebels. The scene is one of several in the play that have characters tussling with each other.
"It is so tiring," Emily said. "When we do full run-throughs, it's so exhausting."
Fellow cast member sophomore Holden Sparacino agrees the physical nature of the play sets this production apart from others the high school has done.
"It's more dramatic," he said. "There are a lot of [interactions] that are not portrayed in words, so you have to play them up with emotions and actions. You get worked up."
Sarah said the play is a good opportunity for audience members to learn about an individual who was integral to Keller's success later in life.
"When I was doing research, I could find out a lot about Helen Keller," she said, "but people rarely mention Annie Sullivan. This gives the best explanation of who she is."
Woods is confident about her cast and crew. The students are still learning the choreography of their fights, but their director has grand hopes for opening night.
"It's going to be a good production," she said. "I can feel it."
'The Miracle Worker' will run Oct. 26, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call the activities office, 408.867.3411, ext. 203. Tickets are $8 for students and seniors and $12 for adults.
The Saratoga Lions Club, and its high school affiliated club, Leo's Club, will be collecting used eyeglasses to donate overseas.
