Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Newnan Theatre working a “Miracle”

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@thecitizennews.com

There are few stories more inspiring and moving than that of Annie Sullivan’s heroic struggle to help a young girl named Helen feel her way through darkness and silence toward the realities of the world around her. Unable to speak or see or hear, young Helen Keller’s triumph over her afflictions is one of the great true dramas of the theater. ‘The Miracle Worker” by William Gibson comes to the stage of the Newnan Theatre Company Friday for a three-week run suitable for the entire family.

Director Michael McClendon, who brought “To Kill A Mockingbird” to the Newnan stage last season, is once again working his own kind of miracles with this production of the Broadway classic. Returning along with the director are Steve Martin, Leisa Davis and Lindsay Graner who fleshed out the roles of Atticus Finch, Miss Maudie and Scout so convincingly in “Mockingbird.”

Martins will play Helen’s tortured and conflicted father, Captain Keller. Davis takes the pivotal role of Annie Sullivan and Miss Graner is put to the test as the nearly helpless Helen. The remaining cast is completed by seasoned professionals and newcomers from the area. There is even a part for a dog named Belle, portrayed convincingly by “Birddog,” an aged, lumbering mixed breed canine who was put off a bit by having to portray a female.

Another interesting aspect of the production is the use of a real, working water pump, fashioned especially for the show by Las Vegas craftsman Grant Juneau. Used during the climactic scene at the end of the play when Helen has her amazing breakthrough, the pump is almost another cast member in itself.

Special attention has also been paid to costuming created by Carol Healy who aged new fabrics and blended them with vintage clothing to create a true pre-1900 era look for the actors.

“I stripped the show down because I knew I would not get what I wanted technically. It throws the focus on the actors.” Mcclendon said, adding that the cast has dedicated themselves to breathing life into these vivid personalities.

“I was touched to find that both Annie and Helen had learned the American Sign Language by the time we held our first rehearsal. Both Leisa and Lindsay are aware of the responsibility they have in bringing these characters to life. They have borne bruises, bumps, scratches, tears and heartache to assure that we do justice to the memory of these American heroes,” he added.

Reservations have begun to flow in, some from large groups, and it is expected the remaining seats will sell out quickly. For reservations call Newnan Community Theatre at 770-683-6282 or go to www.newnantheatre.com for more information and directions. “The Miracle Worker” is playing Fridays and Saturdays, April 30, May 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees will be performed May 2, 9 and 16 at 2:30 p.m.

WHAT: The Miracle Worker

WHERE: The Newnan Theatre Company

WHEN: April 30, May 1, 2, 7,8, 9,14,15 and 16

HOW MUCH: Adults $12, Students and Senior Citizens $10

FOR MORE INFO: Phone 770-683-6282 or visit www.newnantheatre.com