GILROY
– Odyssey Theatre Company’s winter Main Stage Production of The
Miracle Worker will open today in the Gilroy High School theater
and run for three weekends.
GILROY – Odyssey Theatre Company’s winter Main Stage Production of The Miracle Worker will open today in the Gilroy High School theater and run for three weekends.
The Miracle Worker, by William Gibson, is based on the true story of Annie Sullivan’s heroic efforts to teach her new pupil, young Helen Keller. After an illness renders baby Helen blind and deaf – and, therefore, mute – her desperate parents hire a young governess, Annie Sullivan.
After several fierce battles with the little girl, Annie convinces the Kellers to give her two weeks alone with their child. In that time, she teaches Helen discipline and finger spellings for words, and the true “miracle” begins.
This all-ages production is produced and directed by special guest artist Jeff McGrath. McGrath is currently artist in residence at The Western Stage in Salinas, where he directs, acts and teaches.
“We’re all desire a witness for our lives,” McGrath said when asked about The Miracle Worker, “and here is a show about a young woman, Helen, who had no hope for a witness, let alone a savior. And she was lucky enough to get both.”
The cast ranges from well-known local actors to new faces to Gilroy. The role of Annie Sullivan is played by Julie Preslar-Bell. Bell was recently featured in The Western Stage production of The Crucible, by Arthur Miller.
“This is a powerful, uplifting show,” said Odyssey Board President Jackie Stevens. “We’re excited to be working with someone of Jeff’s talent and experience, both as a theater professional and as an educator. It’s a great opportunity for Gilroy audiences.”
Miracle Worker will be performed at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays today through Feb. 8, with a Sunday matinee Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students and seniors. Opening night, closing night, and the Sunday matinee will be “signed” by an American Sign Language interpreter.
Gilroy High School is located at the corner of 10th Street and Princevalle.
The Odyssey Theatre Company is a non-profit educational theatre affiliated with the Gilroy Education Foundation. The company was created in 1995 to increase knowledge, encourage education, appreciation, develop talent, and provide superb theater experiences for the South County.
Odyssey Theatre Company’s mission is to provide a continuum of arts education experiences for students and to serve as a resource for the teachers in the Gilroy Unified School District. The company was created in 1995 to increase knowledge, encourage education, appreciation, develop talent, and provide superb theater experiences for the South County area of Santa Clara County, California.
Odyssey Theatre Company has created a nurturing, stimulating and safe environment in which our students can grow and flourish.
Programs include a successful summer conservatory for teens and a main stage production. Odyssey’s programs celebrate the rich literary and artistic heritage of the theatre. Odyssey Theatre Company is online at www.odysseytheatre.org.
