OREM — The true story of Annie Sullivan's struggle to free Helen Keller from her prison of silence and darkness has inspired some of the most memorable scenes in theatrical history, a story that will be on stage at Hale Center Theater in Orem next week.
"The Miracle Worker" opens with a doctor assuring Captain Keller and his wife that their infant daughter will recover from a serious fever. Soon after the doctor leaves, however, they realize that Helen is deaf and blind.
In the next scene, Helen is a wild, undisciplined child of 6. Though they try, her parents are unable to help or control her. In desperation they hire Sullivan.
From the moment Sullivan arrives, it is clear that she and Helen will be gripped in a great struggle. But Helen is not the only problem for Sullivan. She must also convince the Kellers that she needs complete control of Helen.
"The Miracle Worker" features a cast of talent and experience. Stephanie Foster Breinholt plays Annie Sullivan. Breinholt is a faculty member of the theater department at Brigham Young University and has appeared in numerous plays in the Utah area as well as a handful of movies. Most recently, Breinholt appeared as Julia Murdock Smith in the film "Emma Smith: My Story." Credits at Hale Center Theater include Suzy in "Wait Until Dark" and Essie in "You Can't Take It With You."
Handling the role of Helen is 12-year-old Hannah Earl. Earl performed in last year's production of "A Christmas Carol," where she played the Ghost of Christmas Past. She played Helen Keller in Hale Centre Theatre in West Valley City.
If you go ...
What: The Miracle Worker
Where: Hale Center Theater, 225 W. 400 North, Orem
When: 7:30 p.m., April 11-May 24; matinees at 3:30 p.m. May 10, 17 and 24
Cost: $11.50-$15.50
Phone: 226-8600