A Pod of Dolphins are Working a Miracle...

Published on: 3/4/2012

Helen Keller was eighteen-months-old and extremely bright when, "An acute congestion of the stomach and brain," like a ruthless thief, stole her sight, hearing and speech and left Helen locked in a dark, soundless prison.  She would need a miracle to thrive.

While this story certainly is about a miracle, this particular miracle didn't just happen.  It involved a series of fortunate events; the combination of Helen's high intelligence, the imprinting that took place before her illness, her parents' wealth to seek and pursue help, and the blessed arrival of her teacher, Anne Sullivan - The Miracle Worker!

So, what do dolphins and this story have in common?  Besides the fact that "dolphins play well in groups," with the help of these Dolphins: Carol Dolphin, Director; John Dolphin, Light and Set Design; Sean Dolphin, Light Hang and Construction; Kalea Dolphin, Blind Girl, Light Hang and Construction help and Carol's granddaughter; and Leilani Dolphin, Props and Run Crew, and also Carol's granddaughter - along with the hard work, amazing talent and expertise of the rest of the "pod" - cast and crew - they are working miracles to bring WCT's The Miracle Worker, March 9-25, 2012, to life.  And this "pod" is playing well together as they bring, "a well-oiled, choreographed and segue-smooth," production to WCT.

Carol directed this show before at age twenty-five.  Years later, she says, "While this is a difficult show from every angle you can think of; a multi-level set with complex sound and lights, five different dialects, a mixed-race cast with children, the physical exertion, and period props and costumes, I'm doing it again. It's one of the most inspirational stories ever told.  It has universal appeal and a happy ending with beautiful, beautiful moments.  I like a show with 'meat' - one with substance to it.  And, this script is so well-written!"

The Miracle Worker, by William Gibson is, "The remarkable story of Helen Keller - blind, deaf and mute - and Annie Sullivan, the teacher who opened Helen's world through the power of words.  Annie must control both Helen's wild behavior and her family's pity in order to reach inside Helen's mind and help give her the ability to communciate.  All the while, Annie struggles with memories of her own tragic past.  This classic play is a powerful tale of determination and love, and the ways in which language connects us all."

"We can simulate being blind.  We cannot simulate being deaf," Carol notes.  "A deaf person never hears anything, including themselves.  While many have seen the motion pictures; not too many have seen this story on stage.  Live theater is immediate.  The audience is drawn in.  I find in talking to people they are intrigued by The Miracle Worker.  Many recognize the title, but have not seen it live.  I would urge everyone to come see it.  This is an amazing story."

During Helen's younger years institutionalization was advocated by relatives. Had Anne Sullivan not entered the scene - her own, difficult life a prerequisite to Helen's success - that may have been Helen's fate; however, because of Anne Sullivan, "Hand in hand, two lives found hope."  Through this teacher's inspiring efforts, Helen would eventually become an educator, journalist and an internationally known speaker.  Not too many success stories rival Helen Keller's or that of her teacher and their forty-nine year long relationship.

"Can you imagine," Carol asks, "going through college, through life with someone 'speaking' into your hand?"

Through The Miracle Worker, March 9-25, 2012, you can imagine.  Come see how this miracle began during this must-see, PIX FIX, Mainstage production of The Miracle Worker, March 9-25, 2012.  It will inspire you and your family and touch your hearts.