On Feb. 19, the Muncie Civic Theatre debuted the classic play "The Miracle Worker." The story centers around teacher Annie Sullivan who is hired to help Helen Keller, a young blind, deaf and mute girl.
The play takes place in 20th-century Alabama and focuses on Keller's early childhood, including her daily life with a passive mother, authoritative father and snarky half-brother. Sullivan works tirelessly to help Keller learn how to communicate with others despite her incredible limitations and erratic attitude.
Tonya Kunkel takes on the role of Sullivan in the Civic Theatre performance. Kunkel wonderfully captures the deep frustration Sullivan feels for Keller's lack of discipline and her family's inabling of her behavior.
Ball State University sophomore Aaron Beal is a stand out in the play as Keller's brother, James. He brings much-needed laughs to the emotionally exhausting story, and he portrays James' strained relationship with his father beautifully.
Paige Cooper as Keller is a revelation. The young actress is never out of character and consistently believable in the difficult role. It is worth the price of admission just to see Cooper and her powerful performance.
The greatest scenes consist of the family dinners when Sullivan becomes appalled with Keller's table behavior. Keller is selfish, rude and irritating to others, and the rest of the family does nothing about it. Sullivan must continue to get up from her seat and force Keller to practice normal habits such as using silverware and napkins. Kunkel and Cooper pull these moments off perfectly.
The play is an ambitious story to tell, and the Civic Theatre adaptation has its flaws. However, the story is compelling due to the strong performances, unique set design and thorough direction by Robby Tompkins.
Helen Keller's life has become one of the most important American success stories. Audiences at the Civic Theatre who come out to see "The Miracle Worker" are in for an inspiring, engaging experience.
"The Miracle Worker" continue today through Saturday. Performances are at 7:30 p.m.
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