GILROY
– Tomorrow night – and over the next three weekends – Gilroyans
will see a miracle.
GILROY – Tomorrow night – and over the next three weekends – Gilroyans will see a miracle.
But it’s the chance to be educated and entertained simultaneously that has presenters of “The Miracle Worker” spreading the word about their play.
Odyssey Theatre Company, a non-profit arts education program based in Gilroy and founded in 1995, opens its annual stage-play Friday with the story of Annie Sullivan, the woman who taught the blind, deaf and mute Helen Keller how to communicate with the world.
“When I was watching the rehearsal (Tuesday) night, it really struck me how this is a tribute to the role of teachers in our society. They perform small miracles every day. It’s totally in line with our group’s overall mission,” said Rhoda Bress, a Gilroy resident and Odyssey board member.
An affiliate of the Gilroy Unified School District’s Educational Foundation, Odyssey’s mission is to provide arts education experiences for students and to serve as a resource for South County teachers by putting on shows that tie into school curriculum.
Although technically not a fund raiser, “The Miracle Worker” represents the largest production of the year for Odyssey.
“If it makes money it’s a bonus,” said Jim McCann, a Gilroy resident and one of Odyssey’s founding board members. “Anything we make goes back into future productions and the scholarship program (for Gilroy High School students participating in performing arts).”
Tickets cost $12, seniors and students pay $8. Opening night performance starts at 8 Friday. The production finishes up with a Feb. 8 show at 8 p.m. All shows take place at the Gilroy High School Theater, 750 W. 10th St.
Directing the play is Jeff McGrath, an artist in residence with The Western Stage – a nationally recognized regional theater at Hartnell College in Salinas.
“This is one of those stories that as you get more involved with it, you get more fascinated by the characters,” McGrath said. “We all take for granted hearing and speaking and seeing. Not only does Helen overcome those disabilities, she becomes a productive member of society, and it’s all because of Annie Sullivan.”
McGrath says because the play’s text, written by William Gibson, is so strong, he held back from putting too many personal directorial stamps on the production.
“I’m kind of a nuts-and-bolts director anyway, but this material is not the kind I’d want to mess with,” McGrath said.
A unique feature of “The Miracle Worker” presentation will be something taking place just slightly off stage. An American Sign Language signer will interpret dialogue for the hearing impaired at three performances of the play.
Odyssey has contacted the Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency and several Bay Area community colleges that offer sign language classes to let them know about the signed performances.
“There’s not a lot of entertainment out there for the deaf community. We thought it would be appropriate to reach out to them, and so far we’re getting a great response,” Bress said.
Playing the lead roles in “The Miracle Worker” are Julie Preslar-Bell as Annie Sullivan and Michaela H. Petrovich as Helen Keller. Both are experienced actresses with The Western Stage.
Other cast members include Gilroy and South County residents, including performing arts students from Gilroy High School.
McCann, the Odyssey board member, has a part, too. He plays Mr. Anaganos, a director at the school where Annie Sullivan worked.
“It’s a minor role, but it’s fun to be a part of the production from more than one side,” McCann said.
Stage plays are not the only performances Odyssey produces each year. During summer, the group puts on a conservatory program for 12- to 18-year-olds. Last year, the program produced an improvisational comedy show and Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Odyssey also sponsors a community talent showcase each fall.
INFORMATION:
“The Miracle Worker”
by William Gibson
Director: Jeff McGrath
Show times: Fridays at 8 p.m. on Jan. 24*, Jan. 31 and Feb. 7
Saturdays at 8 p.m. on Jan. 25, Feb. 1 and Feb. 8*
Sunday at 2 p.m. on Feb. 2*
Tickets: $12, $8 for seniors and students.
Performances are held at Gilroy High School Theater, 750 W. 10th Street. Call 808-1444 for reservations. Visit www.odysseytheatre.org for more information.
*Performances will be signed in American Sign Language.
