`THE MIRACLE WORKER': CHALLENGING PLAY COMING SOON TO CENTRAL HIGH

The curtain will rise on Central High School's fall play, "The Miracle Worker," Oct. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m.

The play, written by William Gibson, is about Helen Keller's life but is named for Annie Sullivan, the miracle worker who taught Helen Keller sign language.

"She performs the miracle of bringing Helen Keller out of her dark and silent world that she had lived in until she was 6," said Cindy Wyatt, Central drama director who is directing the play.

Wyatt said "The Miracle Worker" is basically a drama, but there are some lighthearted parts to add humor.

"I think the whole idea of dealing with historical figures is exciting," said Wyatt. "We have more to go on by doing research versus having to make up a fictional character."

Wyatt said students have had to research the people in the play. "It gives them a different perspective to understand what is going through the character's mind and helps them get a complete and full characterization," she said.

The cost of the play is $2 for students and $4 for adults.

"We have a really good cast," said Wyatt, "The students are very talented."

Janie Propst, a senior, will play Annie Sullivan. This is Propst's debut in a lead role in a play.

Her sophomore year she played a dancer in the royal court in the spring production of "The King & I".

"I did plays when I was younger at Concord Theater," said Propst, "In high school, I've been on play crews doing sets and costumes.

"I'm learning how to act really fast," she said. "I jump in and have to learn it."

Propst said playing Annie Sullivan is a challenge. "It's a challenge on how I interact with Helen," said Propst. "It's difficult to do the scenes because they are very physical. I have to think so hard about what I'm doing but still make it look natural."

Propst read Sullivan's biography, "Annie Sullivan Macy," to gain insight on how to play her. "She has an interesting background," Propst said.

Propst said that it is interesting to incorporate what she knows about Sullivan's past into what she does in the play because there are parts in the play where Sullivan reflects on her past.

"Sometimes I find myself going around talking with an Irish accent like her," said Propst.

Propst is the daughter of Donna Propst of Cape Girardeau and Ed Propst of Nashville, Tenn.

Senior Amanda Ross will play Helen Keller. Ross was in last year's Central play, "Blithe Spirit," as Edith.

"I was very intimidated when I found out I was going to play Helen Keller because there are no speaking lines," Ross said. "For me it's hard because I have to express everything I am thinking through movement and facial expressions."

Ross said, to prepare for the role of Helen Keller, she, Student Director Brent Selker and Wyatt went to a park. Wyatt and Selker blindfolded Ross' eyes and covered her ears.

"I walked around to feel what my senses would pick up when I couldn't hear or see," said Ross. "I learned there is a lot more to a blind or deaf person than people think by looking at them."

Ross said she must be very focused on her character and must concentrate so as not to be affected by anything on around her.

Ross said that in one way it is easier to play a real person. "But when you do a real person people expect more because they compare you to the person," said Ross.

Ross said she has read books and seen the movie about Helen Keller. "They have helped me get more insight into what she was really like," said Ross. "I like the variety in Helen," said Ross. "She's very intelligent."

Ross is the daughter of Michael and Glenda Ross of Cape Girardeau.

Others in the cast are: Carrie Peterman as Kate; Jenny Worth as Aunt Ev; Jennie Lukens as Martha; Jennifer Martin as Viney; Chris Redfearn as the doctor; Brian Campbell as Capt. Keller; Chris Robertson as James; Paul Cairns as Percy; Matt Hoffman as Amagnos; Nicki Byrd as the servant; and Natalie Boren, Lara Clem, Regan Ward, Annie Greer, Jamie Filer and Tammy Fernohl as the blind girls.

Notre Dame and Jackson high schools will not present a fall drama production but will perform a spring play, school spokesmen said.