Marlton resident Melissa Connell is set to portray teacher Annie Sullivan for Mainstage Center for the Arts in February.
Marlton resident Melissa Connell is set to portray teacher Annie Sullivan in the upcoming production of “The Miracle Worker” from Mainstage Center for the Arts in February.
The show tells the story of six-year-old Helen Keller, and how she was trapped in a dark, silent world due to an illness until she received help from her teacher, Annie Sullivan.
This production comes to Camden County College’s Dennis Flyer Theater Feb. 2 through Feb. 10.
Perry-Award winning director Marjorie Sokoloff, head of the college’s Theatre Department, will direct.
The 1960 Broadway production won five Tony Awards, including Best Play. It starred Patty Duke as Helen Keller and Anne Bancroft as Annie Sullivan.
Mainstage’s production will feature Connell as Annie Sullivan and Kat Ross Kline as Helen Keller.
Connell’s performed in various theatrical, commercial, industrial, film and voice over productions throughout the Northeast. She’s worked with Sokoloff in five other productions. This is her first time portraying Annie Sullivan.
“Annie had such a hard life — her mother passed away, she was blind, her dad couldn’t take care of the kids, she and her brother, Jimmy, were sent to live in a group home, and her brother passed away. She had nine surgeries to correct her vision. She was a fighter who had to grow up quickly,” Connell said. “Annie was a good match for Helen. She could relate to her frustration. And, I love how she never gave up on her.”
Public performances run Feb. 2, Feb. 3, Feb. 9, and Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m., in the fully accessible Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall, Camden County College, Blackwood.
“The Miracle Worker” is sponsored by Republic Bank, the Lamp Post Diner and Meadows Diner. Mainstage’s season is sponsored by Comegno Law Group, PC.
Ticket prices are $20 for premium seating, $18 for adults, and $15 for senior citizens and students 12 and younger. For tickets, visit www.mainstage.org, or call (855) 936–2467.
