BWW Reviews: THE MIRACLE WORKER Sheds Light on the Darkness in Annie Sullivan's Soul at the Actors Co-Op

William Gibson's oft-done play THE MIRACLE WORKER opened Friday, April 12 at the Actors Co-op in Hollywood. The innovative staging by Director Thom Babbes and outstanding talent in this production deserve to play to full houses throughout the run!

THE MIRACLE WORKER is the true-life story of young Helen Keller, blind and deaf, and her struggle to overcome adversity. With the help of an extraordinary teacher Anne Sullivan, Helen learns to communicate with the world and reveals that with faith and perseverance, miracles can happen. Adapted from Helen Keller's autobiography, The Story of My Life, the work was first realized as a teleplay on Playhouse 90 in 1957 by William Gibson. It was then adapted for the Broadway stage, then became a feature film and finally was re-imagined as a television movie.

The play celebrates life and the ability to overcome the greatest obstacles placed in front of you. As Helen Keller once said, 'The marvelous richness of the human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse.'"

First, I must commend director Thom Babbes, lighting designer Bill E. Kickbush, and sound designers Fritz Davis and James Arnold Taylor for letting us actually "feel" the darkness in Annie Sullvian's soul through haunting flashbacks with her younger brother, re-living the horrid life they endured in the "death room" at a home for unwanted children. Rather than just using a pre-recorded voice, Babbes has ghostly young actor Tate Downing as Jimmie, standing in a spotlight with his voice echoing over loudspeakers, causing the audience to feel the vibrations of Annie's (Tara Battani) sorrow, fear, and regret that lie deep in her soul as she stands across the stage cowering in her own spotlight. It is moments like this that make you remember what live theater was meant to be - a cleansing of the human spirit through emotional release.

Battani's performance left me speechless, totally engulfed in her vivid portrayal of Sullivan throughout the show as she struggles both physically and emotionally to bring Helen out of her darkness through the power of words.

Danielle Soibelman's effectively portrays Helen from wild child during the breakfast food fight with Annie to her enlightenment at the water pump. This is a remarkably nuanced character developed thoroughly by such a young actress.

Bruce Ladd's blustery, brash, and arrogant Captain Keller and Catherine Gray as Helen's long-suffering, loving mother are so deeply in tune with their characters that the humor of their interactions in Gibson's brilliant dialogue shines. I have seen many productions of this play but have never before heard such laughter (and tears) from an audience in all the right places, a true testament to the acting skill of the cast.

Kudos to set designer Mark Svastics for the multi-level intimate set that allowed actors to move from room to room effortlessly, lovely costumes designed by Shon LeBlanc, and Cooper Babbes for his innovative, mood-setting original piano score.

Performances continue through Sunday, May 26 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm. Additional Saturday matinees are scheduled for April 20 and May 18 at 2:30 pm. Regular admission $30, Seniors $25, Students $20. Group rates available (minimum of 6 people). For reservations call (323) 462-8460 ext. 300 or reserve online at www.ActorsCo-op.org ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCES added on Friday, May 24 at 8pm, Saturday, May 25 at 2:30pm, amd Sunday, May 26 at 2:30pm.

Actors Co-op is located at 1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, CA 90028, on the campus of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, one block north of Hollywood Boulevard, just off the Gower Street exit of the 101 Hollywood Freeway. Free, well-lit parking is available on Carlos Street (½ block east of Gower). Entrance to the theaters is directly across the street from the Carlos Street parking lot.

The acting ensemble for THE MIRACLE WORKER includes Joanne Atkinson, Tara Battani, Khara Bigham, Kassandra Carrington, Tony Christopher, Phil Crowley, Jakobe Dempsey, Jayce Dempsey, Tate Downing, Ariana Gabriel, Alexandra Gabriel, Catherine Gray, Mackenzie Konjoyan, Bruce Ladd, Chinyere Nwodim and Danielle Soibelman.

Photo Credit: Lindsay Schnebly

Tara Battani, Danielle Soibelman

Tara Battani, Danielle Soibelman

Tara Battani, Danielle Soibelman

Danielle Soibelman, Tara Battani

Bruce Ladd, Catherine Gray, Tony Christopher, Tara Battani, Danielle Soibelman

The battle of wills begins with Tara Battani, Danielle Soibelman

Danielle Soibelman, Tara Battani

Bruce Ladd, Danielle Soibelman, Tara Battani