'The Miracle Worker' cast works magic at the Dayton Playhouse

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By Terry Morris, Staff Writer 3:42 PM Friday, October 16, 2009

Even though a number of notable performances have been given over the years in the William Gibson play “The Miracle Worker,” another one seems just as impressive.

The latest came last weekend in the Dayton Playhouse production of the three-act drama about Helen Keller’s teacher, Annie Sullivan.

Slender young Charity Farrell, best known previously on area stages for her considerable singing ability, delivered a noteworthy, consistent and deeply dramatic performance as Annie. She immersed herself physically and emotionally in the role.

Her character is both up to the physical challenge of wrestling with willful Helen and pulling communication from the girl, played with spark and vitality by Claire Warnecke. Another important relationship is the test of wills between Annie and Helen’s dad, played with distinction and satisfying nuance by Geoff Burkman.

Besides Gibson, credit for their success should also go to director Jennifer Lockwood, who has staged a well known story with memorable impact.

Other cast members include Wendi Michael as Helen’s mom, Cynthia Karns as Aunt Eve and Sha Donna Crosby as Viney. Chris Harmon designed the set.

The final show is at 2 p.m. today, Oct. 18. Call (937) 424-8777 for ticket information.

Bit parts

• Five Southern women who met on their college swim team get together every year on the North Carolina Outer Banks for what might be called their Dixie chick trip. “The Dixie Swim Club,” by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, who wrote for television’s “The Golden Girls,” is their story.

Greg Smith, who usually works at the Dayton Theatre Guild, is staging it at the Beavercreek Community Theatre, 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road, where it opens Friday, Oct. 23. The cast includes Cassandra Engber, Debra Kent, Stefanie Pratt, Jill Proudfoot and Rachel Wilson. Times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 1. Tickets are $11 and $12 at (937) 429-4737, by e-mail at boxoffice@bctheatre.org, or online at www.bctheatre.org.

• Troy Civic Theatre’s season opener Friday, Oct. 23, is the Tim Kelly play “Frankenstein.” Caleb Magill plays the Creature and Jamison Meyer is Victor Frankenstein. Co-directors are Rebecca Scisson and Sonja Hyer. Times are 8 p.m. Oct. 23, 24 and 29-31, and 4 p.m. Oct. 25 in the Barn in the Park on Adams Street, across from Hobart Arena. Call (937) 339-7700 for ticket information.

• The SMAG Dance Collective, Sandstorm Middle-Eastern dance troupe, artist Mike Elsass and other painters will join forces for “Smagmare” on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23 and 24, at the Excelsior Building, 207 E. Sixth St. Tickets for the combination haunted house and nightmare event with Dracula, Wolfman, Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein and the Zombie are $10 at the door, which opens at 7 p.m.

“Footlights” illuminates local theater arts news and arts auditions. Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2377 or tmorris@Dayton DailyNews.com.

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Don't forget Miracle worker plays Saturday Oct 17th at 8:00 and Sunday Oct 18th at 2:00 It is a wonderful show with an excellent cast. Please dress warmly. There seems to be a problem with the furnace.

Sandy
12:58 AM, 10/17/2009

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