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http://www.gatewaynewspapers.com/mcknightjournal/54760/
Finally making a connection after a long period of struggle and determination will be the theme when North Hills High School presents William Gibson's "The Miracle Worker" next week.
The play focuses on the life of Annie Sullivan and her efforts to make a connection with her student -- Hellen Keller -- who was blind, mute and deaf.
The production is based upon Keller's autobiography, "The Story of My Life."
"The Miracle Worker" opened on Broadway in October 1959 and ran through July 1961 and starred Patty Duke as Helen Keller. Additionally, it was made into a a film in 1962, which won Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
The play was also produced for television in 1982 and was remade in 2000.
"This is a good acting show and one of the reasons it was chosen is a lot of our actors have experience in productions outside of North Hills," says director Glen Richey.
"It is a dialogue intense show with a lot of memorization for the actors."
The Miracle Worker was chosen in the spring and is part of the district's usual rotation in its choice for the fall play.
Each year, North Hills likes to vary the shows to feature comedies, dramas and farces says Richey. Just last year, North Hills presented "Dracula and Frankenstein" which was more tongue-in-cheek; this year they wanted to feature a play that was more dramatic.
When looking at the "The Miracle Worker," Richey says audiences can learn a lot from the messages taught about determination and making a connection.
They can also can gain an appreciation for what challenges others must face. Just last year, when North Hills presented "Crazy for You," they partnered with the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf.
Now a certified interpreter will perform American Sign Language during all performances of "The Miracle Worker."
"It all started when we worked with them and got to see what goes on with the deaf in the community," says Richey. "The students gained a greater appreciation of the needs of others out there."
Looking back on the many plays that the school district has presented to audiences in the past, Richey says "The Miracle Worker" is one that does fit the group of students at North Hills this year because of their work in various community productions.
"The Miracle Worker" itself was written to honor Sullivan and her work to make a connection with Keller during those trying times.
Richey says that themes associated with the play are very similar to teaching and what makes a good teacher.
"The play was written to honor her teacher, Annie Sullivan," says Richey. "It is about a teacher dedicated to find a way to connect with a student. Persistence and dedication are all important themes in the play."
"The Miracle Worker" will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, through Sunday, Nov. 19, at North Hills High School.
Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. All tickets are general admission and will be sold at the door.
For details, call 412-318-1437 or visit www.nhsd.net.
Finally making a connection after a long period of struggle and determination will be the theme when North Hills High School presents William Gibson's "The Miracle Worker" next week.
The play focuses on the life of Annie Sullivan and her efforts to make a connection with her student -- Hellen Keller -- who was blind, mute and deaf.
The production is based upon Keller's autobiography, "The Story of My Life."
"The Miracle Worker" opened on Broadway in October 1959 and ran through July 1961 and starred Patty Duke as Helen Keller. Additionally, it was made into a a film in 1962, which won Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
The play was also produced for television in 1982 and was remade in 2000.
"This is a good acting show and one of the reasons it was chosen is a lot of our actors have experience in productions outside of North Hills," says director Glen Richey.
"It is a dialogue intense show with a lot of memorization for the actors."
The Miracle Worker was chosen in the spring and is part of the district's usual rotation in its choice for the fall play.
Each year, North Hills likes to vary the shows to feature comedies, dramas and farces says Richey. Just last year, North Hills presented "Dracula and Frankenstein" which was more tongue-in-cheek; this year they wanted to feature a play that was more dramatic.
When looking at the "The Miracle Worker," Richey says audiences can learn a lot from the messages taught about determination and making a connection.
They can also can gain an appreciation for what challenges others must face. Just last year, when North Hills presented "Crazy for You," they partnered with the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf.
Now a certified interpreter will perform American Sign Language during all performances of "The Miracle Worker."
"It all started when we worked with them and got to see what goes on with the deaf in the community," says Richey. "The students gained a greater appreciation of the needs of others out there."
Looking back on the many plays that the school district has presented to audiences in the past, Richey says "The Miracle Worker" is one that does fit the group of students at North Hills this year because of their work in various community productions.
"The Miracle Worker" itself was written to honor Sullivan and her work to make a connection with Keller during those trying times.
Richey says that themes associated with the play are very similar to teaching and what makes a good teacher.
"The play was written to honor her teacher, Annie Sullivan," says Richey. "It is about a teacher dedicated to find a way to connect with a student. Persistence and dedication are all important themes in the play."
"The Miracle Worker" will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, through Sunday, Nov. 19, at North Hills High School.
Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. All tickets are general admission and will be sold at the door.
For details, call 412-318-1437 or visit www.nhsd.net.