“Nanny 911” meets the 1800s in Ivorton Playhouse’s “The Miracle Worker”
IVORYTON — “The Miracle Worker” at the Ivoryton Playhouse, is a moving, surprisingly physical, and special show, lovingly produced, and well acted.
Most are familiar with Helen Keller’s story. While an infant she became deaf and blind after a severe illness that almost killed her. Helen’s well-to-do southern family were loving but unable to help her. They hired an untrained young teacher, half-blind herself, Anne Sullivan, who had a vision that language was the key to unlocking Helen’s mind.
Originally written for television in 1957 by William Gibson, it was latter adapted into a play and then a film starring Anne Bancroft as Sullivan and Patty Duke as Helen.
It is fitting that “The Miracle Worker” began it’s life on television, because in many ways it is the precursor to television shows such as “Nanny 911” and “Supernanny,” where tough love, consistency, and discipline from the adults are crucial in all children’s development.
Set in Alabama in the late 1800’s during a time when the Civil War was a recent experience, the Kellers hire Sullivan (Andrea Maulella) to try to help 12-year-old Helen (Jenilee Simons Marques) who is bright but terribly spoiled.
The whole family treats her like a pet, much to the dismay of Sullivan who realizes that there is no possible way to reach Helen with all the well-meant indulgence.
As usual Ivoryton Playhouse does a fine job of weaving professional and local amateur actors together, here directed by Ivoryton Playhouse Executive Director Jacqueline Hubbard.
Maulella is totally believable as Sullivan, even if she is a little old for the part, where so much emphasis is given to her age and inexperience. At times she rushes her lines and the comments, often amusing, get lost.
She is a scrappy gal though, and up to the challenge of physically wrestling with Helen — a lot. So much so that the play could just as easily have been called “The Miracle Workout,” and had a fight choreographer, Carrie Brewer, to coordinate all the action.
Marques is inspired as Helen. Born to two deaf parents and deaf since birth herself, she is completely engaging, natural, and compelling in the role.
The set, designed by Cully Long, gave the indication of a Victorian home, and cleverly transformed into a garden house in the second act.
The costumes by Pam Puente were lovely, particularly the exquisitely detailed and numerous gowns for Helen’s mother, Kate, played by Elizabeth Erwin.
Helen’s half-brother, James, is played with a heavy dose of sarcasm as called for, by Michael Raver, while Bif Carrington plays Helen’s father with the right amount of Southern male privilege.
“Have some pity on her for being who she is,” the father says. All he wants from his daughter is obedience, but her teacher has higher expectations for her charge, saying, “Giving up is my idea of original sin.”
This is an excellent show for both adults and children, showing that many seemingly insurmountable achievements can be accomplished with perseverance and stubborn determination.

THE MIRACLE WORKER
3½ Stars
Location: Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St., Ivoryton, Conn.
Production: Written by William Gibson. Directed by Jacqueline Hubbard. Set design by Doug Harry. Sound design by Tate Burmeister. Costume design by Pam Puente.
Running time: 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission.
Show Times: Wednesday and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. through Oct. 11.
Tickets: $35 for adults, $30 for previews and seniors, $20 for students, and $15 for children 12 and under. Call the box office at 860-767-7318, or visit their website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org
ACTOR…CHARACTER
Jenilee Simons Marques … Helen Keller
Andrea Maulella … Anne Sullivan
Elizabeth Erwin … Kate Keller
Bif Carrington … Capt. Keller
Michael Raver … James
Maggie McGlone-Jennings … Aunt Ev