Miracle Worker performed in November 2010, CMHS DRAMA – CAPPIES REVIEWS!
A miracle in Costa Mesa
Who would ever guess a folded napkin could mean so much? Costa Mesa High School’s production of “The Miracle Worker”, a play by William Gibson, is a great success! The play follows the early life of the blind, deaf, and dumb Helen Keller (Summersky Rudas) and her stubborn and determined teacher Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk). This inspiring true story of a crumbling family almost out of hope and a young teacher who never gave up has touched the hearts of generations, and this performance was no exception.
The fantastic cast plays their roles with sincerity and passion, allowing the audience to rejoice with their triumphs and cry through their trials. Lucy Rybarczyk is captivating in her portrayal of the ever persevering Annie Sullivan. When she meets the Keller family, suitcase firmly in hand, it is instantly noticeable what a reserved person she is. Rybarczyk’s restrained movement and her choice of eye contact, when her eyes are not hidden by her dark glasses, exude the extremely guarded heart of the young Sullivan. And her choice of perfect posture, articulation, and firm voice enhance the audience’s knowledge of Sullivan’s upbringing, and enforce her character’s struggle to compensate for her young age and inexperience. Rybarczyk is wonderfully complimented by her co-star Summersky Rudas, who’s genuine and realistic portrayal of Helen Keller invokes the audience to have a wide variety of emotions, ranging from anger to pride, sadness to joy. As her distant and unresponsiv
e eyes water and her arms and legs flail in anger and frustration at these new restraints placed on her by the unfamiliar breakfast table, the audience is on the edge of their seats as though she is having an entire vocal fight with the unrelenting teacher, yet there are no words. Her complete commitment is impressive and never allows a minute to doubt her impediments. Kate Keller’s (Allie Hatch) quiet and passive manner was an excellent contrast to the strong and stubborn personalities of Annie and Helen, and the love for her daughter was evident in every look she gave. James Keller’s (Kory Bennion) flawless comedic timing and sarcastic teenage demeanor was a breath of fresh air in such a serious and intense story, but he does not fail to impress with his dramatic performance in seeking love and approval from the oblivious Captain (Zach Keane). Each actor brings something different to the table and grows together throughout the performance. The cast's minor inconsistencies
in accents is overshadowed by the truth and heart put into every line.
The crew, run by Carrise Ahern is polished and professional, all in costume, they are able to change props and clean difficult messes quickly and efficiently disguised as servants of the Keller family.
With heartwarming and sincere performances and an inspirational message Costa Mesa’s Miracle Worker is a joy to experience.
by Hannah Whitfield of Newport Harbor
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A tragic illness leaves a young girl blind, deaf and mute; she is trapped in her own world of darkness and silence. Costa Mesa High School’s production of The Miracle Worker brings to life the touching story of how a young teacher is able to help a girl out of her silent world. This play has won a Tony Award for best play and was made into a film in 1962.
Helen Keller is a young girl who can’t see, hear, or hear. Her family is often thrown into a state of chaos because of her frequent tantrums. Helpless and desperate, the family hires a young teacher, Annie Sullivan, in an attempt to help Helen. Having experienced blindness herself, Annie is able to see the soft side beneath Helen’s stubborn exterior and gradually brings her out of her dark world.
Lucy Rybarczyk, who plays Annie Sullivan, demonstrates her authority and her determination through the tones of her voice. Her voice tones show the audience how she always has a clear goal in mind and she is always in control of the situation. However, she also has a caring side; she constantly demonstrates her genuine concern and selflessness for Helen. Allie Hatch, who plays Kate Keller, portrays her tenderness, sincerity, and love towards her daughter by constantly hugging Helen. She tends to let Helen get away with things that are bad; even though she wants Helen to be properly educated, she still finds it hard to see Helen being taught by Annie’s harsher ways. Both Annie and Kate want to give the same things to Helen, but they want to give it to her in different ways.
Helen Keller (Summersky Rudas) possesses strong stage presence. Her facial expressions always demonstrate the urgent longing to communicate that is bottled up inside her. She is constantly desperate to find a way to let others know her feelings and thoughts. While some actors lack energy, Helen is able to keep her high energy level consistent throughout the performance. Her tantrums are made more realistic by the use of realistic props including water and food. Rudas’s character feels immense hatred towards her teacher in the beginning of the play, but after she learns the meaning of words and language, the progression she makes towards developing a strong bond with Annie is truly heartwarming.
James Keller (Kory Bennion) is the half-brother of Helen. Bennion always provides comedic relief and sometimes adds a sarcastic touch to the show. Bennion shows his character’s personality through his gestures and he has a way of always stating the honest truth. Bennion progresses his character from a young man who resents his father for remarrying to a young man who loves and accepts his family.
Costa Mesa High School’s production of The Miracle Worker is a touching story about the relationship between a teacher and her student.
by Amanda Jiang of Aliso Niguel
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With food flying in every direction, water splashed into people’s faces, punches knocking out teeth, and screams echoing the stage; Costa Mesa shows just another morning breakfast.
Costa Mesa’s recent production of “The Miracle Worker,” goes through the life of Annie Sullivan and the deaf and blinded Helen Keller in a wealthy home in Tuscumbia Alabama and all the challenges both tackle with each other and those around them that believed Helen can never fit well into society. Through fights, tantrums, and breaking points, all those who didn’t believe in Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller learn that miracles can come true.
Lucy Rybarczyk as Annie Sullivan embodies a strong opinionated, forceful woman. With her stiff posture, calm facial expressions, and Irish dialect, she shows that in the Keller’s household she is an outsider. With her strong will Lucy Rybarcyk’s character shows to be an even match for Helen Keller played by Summersky Rudas.
Stomping her feet, screaming, and trying to make Annie Sullivan suffer, Summersky Rudas shows the audience a little girl angered by the cruel fate she was given. With her dazed and aimless look Rudas brings a remarkable realistic feel to her character that shows she cannot hear or see. Hair always in a mess and wild body movements prove Rude’s to be unconcerned with others and in her famous fight scene with Rybarczyk the two show no signs of choreographed work but a realistic battle of who the dominate one in the household is.
Kory Bennion shows the comedic style of his character James Keller. As the first act unfolds Bennion create the comedic relief that annoys the other characters so. With his playful yet devious smile, and charming looks, Bennion always gives the audience a good laugh.
The crew worked fantastically and quickly even with all the messes they had to clean up. From a complete food fight to a clean dining room the crew changed scenes effortlessly and never took the scene away from the characters onstage.
Costa Mesa High School’s production of “The Miracle Worker,” reminds us all that even when something seems impossible and everybody believes that it can never happen, a miracle is always waiting at the end of the journey.
by Elizabeth Rodriguez of Aliso Niguel
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Dedicated to the pursuit of teaching Helen Keller to see the world around her through her hands, Annie Sullivan is persistent and well tempered compared to the intolerant student Helen and in the end seeks victory- working day in and day out to perform what to many is a true miracle. With a simple set of vintage items the actor’s talents were illuminated with no distractions.
Set in the late 1800’s the story of Helen’s childhood miracle happens due to her teacher Annie working day in and day out to accomplish what many thought could never happen. Costa Mesa has put on a truly perfect replication of this beloved story one in which takes the viewer back to the days of Helen, and through all of her accomplishments one also feels a sense of victory because her downfalls are felt so closely to the heart.
Costa Mesa High School’s “The Miracle Worker” was defined by their impressive actors and chilling scenes. With such a small cast, there was little room for errors in which there were very few making for a; entrancing, creative, and delightful night.
With a simple story there were many scenes that captivated the viewer, but there was a pivotal moment which got the attention of every person in the room. After denying Annie Sullivan of eating off her own plate all cast members exit the stage except Helen and Annie, no dialogue is exchanged between the two for five minutes but Helen shows spectrum of feelings through lashing out. Helen is portrayed spot on by Summersky Rudas and a true demon comes out of her, while Annie Sullivan played by Lucy Rybarczyk is the calming factor; not once breaking character. The audience responded to this impeccable scene with applause.
Watching a show with such a dramatic tone can be daunting at times. Luckily there was much comedic relief from Helen's brother James Keller played by Kory Bennion. His presence helped cast a lighter mood on the production and allowed other actor's jokes to ring out much more than they would have without Kory breaking the serious tone.
As a whole the show is well worth seeing for there are few plays with such tender moments as in “The Miracle Worker”. It is a miracle to put on such a dramatic show but Costa Mesa High School worked hard at it and truly performed an enjoyable adaptation.
by Julia Champommier of Aliso Niguel
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Costa Mesa's The Miracle Worker opens
From screaming temper tantrums to a rather explosive food fight over dining room manners, we see that Annie Sullivan has no easy task. Costa Mesa’s production of “The Miracle Worker” takes us through the trials and tribulations Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller go through in order to give Helen a chance to know the world again.
We join the Kellers in Helen’s room as they realize that the ill infant has become deaf and blind. As Helen grows older, Kate and Captain Keller call in Annie Sullivan as a final attempt to create some sense of normalcy to the child’s life. Soon it is obvious that Sullivan is inexperienced and the Kellers as well as the audience find themselves wondering if it is any use trying.
Costa Mesa High School’s production kept the audience riveted by the cast’s skilled acting and complex characters. Everyone from the lead to the ensemble kept the energy going throughout the performance and made it into a very captivating production.
Annie Sullivan, played by Lucy Rybarcyzk, captured the tenacity and stubbornness of Sullivan while still keeping herself levelheaded. The energy Rybarcyzk brought to the stage showed in her manner of speaking as well as her body language. Helen Keller, played by Summersky Rudas, had the difficult task of conveying emotion and thought without being able to speak. Through various grunts and movements Rudas was able to nearly perfectly represent how her character was feeling at that point in time.
The crones (Moira Huntly, Courtney Hatch, Hunter Strodel), appearing only when Annie Sullivan must confront the demons of her past, created an excellent ethereal quality in the production.
The running crew (Chris Henrriquez, Esthella Partida, Hanrry Lopez, Linda Cabrera) were all cleverly disguised as servants, making set and prop changed nearly seamless. Props (Carrise Ahern) stayed true to the time period and added a sense of authenticity to the production.
Costa Mesa’s “The Miracle Worker” is truly an example that any obstacle can be overcome.
by Kylie Clothier of Aliso Niguel
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Costa Mesa's "Miracle Worker" is an emotional night of drama
Born both deaf and blind, Helen Keller's triumphant story is told by Costa Mesa High School's production of "The Miracle Worker".
With the help of teacher Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarcyzk), Helen Keller (Summersky Rudas) discovers the world she is unable to understand. The emotional drama is a whirlwind of youthful defiance and the strength of one woman's determination to help a child to see.
Carrying this show is Lucy Rybarcyzk (Annie Sullivan) and Summersky Rudas (Helen Keller). Both women demonstrate a rare intensity on stage and connection with one another. From the moment Rybarcyzk steps on stage, her presence as Annie Sullivan is extraordinary and is held (carried-driving force) for the entirety of the show. Although clearly wounded after being slapped by Helen in their first argument, Rybarcyzk's channels Annie's strength and sarcasm when asked by James (Kory Bennion) if she needs his assistance in climbing out the window.
In a role that is entirely mute and emotions must be expressed through facial expressions and bodily movements, Summersky Rudas absolutely shines as Helen Keller. Helen's willful spirit is brought life during one of her tantrums as she pounds the ground with her fists and makes defiant ape-like grunts. Even when she is not the focus of a scene, Rudas is always in character. While Annie, Kate, and the Captain (Zach Keane) discuss the possibility of Annie leaving the Keller household, Rudas snuggles happily with a miniature collie and elicits coos from the audience as she "spells" on its head. Both Helen's aggression and youth are apparent in Rudas' portrayal and is a strong force throughout the show.
Although many of the actors provide clear character choices, the accents in this show are inconsistent and the actors frequently fall in and out of their chosen dialects.
During the famous breakfast table fight between Annie and Helen, Helen's rage sends plates of food flying in the air and pitchers of water splashing onto the carpet. Carrise Ahern's bold choice to use real food such as eggs adds authenticity and realism to the chaotic scene. The running crew of the show is creatively made up of the Kellers' servants, who with each blackout, silently move tables and chairs with efficiency.
Filled with tragedy and triumph, Costa Mesa High School's "The Miracle Worker" is a success.
by Megane Browne of Aliso Niguel
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Some say miracles cease to exist. Others say that they happen every day. Costa Mesa’s production of “The Miracle Worker” confirms that miracles do, in fact, occur in the lives of those who need them. The story follows Helen Keller (Summersky Rudas), a deaf and blind girl, and her lightning bolt transformation from dysfunctional to well mannered and literate due to the teachings of her youthful teacher, Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk). Costa Mesa High School’s production of this story communicates a memorable message to the audience that people never truly give up on the ones they love through their realistic acting. Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk) and Helen Keller (Summersky Rudas) work together as a dynamic duo when Annie assertively attempts to detain Helen as she frantically kicks, screams, and knocks over everything in sight. These heart wrenching and realistic struggles throughout the production bring the audience to the edge of their seats. Helen Keller (Summersky Ruda
s) realistically portrays a blind and deaf character with the sense of vacancy in her eyes and the way she feels around grabbing everything she can to help her see. Her sense of focus is captivating, as she never breaks character. Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk) commands the stage with her clear voice and plosive consonants that add to her erudite character. James Keller’s (Kory Bennion’s) light hearted character has a sarcastic and flippant attitude with remarkable comedic timing that brings comedic relief in moments of monotonous earnestness. Although some of the actors lack sincerity and realism in their acting, James Keller (Kory Bennion), Helen Keller (Summersky Rudas), and Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk) save the show with their mastery of real emotion. Additionally, the stage crew, dressed as servants in the house, work together productively as they quickly pick up after Helen Keller’s (Summersky Rudas’s) boisterous temper tantrums. These temper tantrums are heightened
by the authentic props such as real forks, real plates, real food, and even real water that Helen throws all over the room. The cast and crew of “The Miracle Worker” put on a true miracle of a show that definitely doesn’t require any miracle worker to satisfy the audience.
by Tanner Montierth of Aliso Niguel
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Unsurpassed Compassion and Determination
Tantrums, kicking and screaming, running from home are all phrases to describe the realistic portrayal of Helen Keller's dark world in Costa Mesa high school's production of "The Miracle Worker." The initial moment of fear and anxiety when Kate and Captain Keller discovered that Helen could neither see nor hear was a silhouette of the realism of their situation.
The author, William Gibson, created a real and emotion-provoking story of a stubborn child and her teacher. He generates multiple conflicts within each character including the main character, Annie Sullivan. Having had vision problems herself, Annie is determined and has her heart set on one thing: teach Helen how not only to behave, but also to learn words and objects.
On a whole, the cast had a great energy for the production; each cast member seemed very intent on what they wanted to accomplish. They all made a bold character choice that allowed them to be the true representation of the Keller life. Although he had a small role, the Doctor (Randy Flores) stood out in his believable and authentic depiction of a doctor relevant to the time.
Helen Keller (Summersky Rudas) and Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk) were the two actresses that set this production apart from the rest. Helen's ability to never break her blind and deaf character truly gave the play a true-to-life affect that could not have been achieved without this exceptional ability to ignore the commotion on stage. Annie Sullivan's character was especially remarkable because of her ability to play a multi-personality character in a plausible fashion. Both characters were a great contribution to the success of the show.
Although they made a small contribution to the plot, the ensemble of the Crones and the Blind Girls devoted themselves to their character. The Crones established a specific tone of voice by changing their voice levels. The Blind Girls led each other into the room by having each girl follow the one by making a train of shoulders to hands; the image was clever and drew compassion.
A ravishing and heart-wrenching interpretation was exactly what Costa Mesa High School accomplished in the beautiful piece called "The Miracle Worker."
by Courtney Malloy of El Dorado
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Miracles and memories are made at Costa Mesa High School
One inexperienced teacher paired with one stubborn blind girl… what will become of this unlikely union? Brace yourself for Costa Mesa High School’s unforgettable production of The Miracle Worker.
Captivating from the start, the show opens with a doctor reassuring Kate and Captain Keller that their baby daughter Helen will pull through a severe fever. Sadly, only minutes after the doctor’s departure, Kate finds that the child is not only deaf but blind as well. In the scenes following, Helen grows before your very eyes as do the challenges her parents face with raising such a strong-spirited child. When she becomes too much for her family to handle, they hire a teacher named Annie Sullivan. As the show progresses along with Annie and Helen’s relationship, it is evident that Annie is so much more than any regular teacher, she is a miracle worker.
The Miracle Worker was absolutely uplifting. In every scene there was something different that tugged on your heartstrings. Wonderfully united, this cast was extremely well put together. Their energy was always up even when their spirits were down. Allie Hatch was wonderful in the role of Kate Keller. Her worried frown and calming smile completely embodied the essence of an exhausted mother. Also, Kory Bennion was completely charming in this production. Playing the role of James Keller, Helen’s half brother, he was a completely charismatic comic relief throughout the show.
This story came to life like magic. Lucy Rybarczyk gave a touching performance in the starring role of Annie Sullivan, an uptight teacher with an unwanted past. Everything she did onstage was purposeful, never once losing focus of her goal: to teach Helen language. Her commitment and connection to the character were evident with her every move. Summersky Rudas brought to life the role of Helen, a strong-willed girl trapped inside a shell. Every tantrum, squeal, and blank stare she gave was spine-chillingly realistic as well as completely intriguing. When she exited the stage, she left you wanting more.
Although they may have been in the background, the supporting characters of this show were nowhere close to fading. Chris Byers was pleasant in the role of Percy, a young boy. His comedy was believable and enjoyable. Also outstanding was the ensemble of blind girls. Their lifeless eyes completely portrayed what it would be like to be blind. They walked around as though they were sleepwalking, only with their eyes open.
Simplistic and sweet, the set was practical for this play. Each room was only a few steps away from the other. A rocking chair sat quaintly on the porch right below Miss Sullivan’s bedroom, just waiting for someone to sit. Many times throughout the performance, blind Helen splashed water across the stage in a rather inspiring manner. It was completely convincing as well as incredibly entertaining.
Heart wrenching and heart warming, Costa Mesa High School’s production of The Miracle Worker caught your attention and never let go.
by Megan Hill of El Dorado
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The heart throbbing Tale of A Student and Her Teacher
Costa Mesa High School is performing the show “The Miracle Worker”. The Miracle worker is about a true story of Annie Sullivan and her blind, deaf, mute student Helen Keller.
In this story Annie Sullivan played by Lucy Rybarczyk is sent to The Keller’s home to teach their young daughter Helen Keller played by Summersky Rudas to communicate and behave. Without being able to communicate, see or hear what’s going on in the world; Helen Keller lives a silent, dark world. She is a violet, spoiled child; Annie knows what it is like to live in such a world. Annie realizes that Helen wants to learn and is actually very smart. While the family has a hard time understanding what is going through their daughter’s head Ms. Sullivan is able to relate to such a dark world living without a true understanding of it all, teaches her to communicate through her hands and teaches her to behave like a young lady.
Costa Mesa High School’s overall production was a touching and moving performance. While most of the cast had excellent energy others lacked. I felt most of the characters stayed in their character throughout the performance. While there were intense scenes James Keller played by Kory Bennion gave us moments of comic relief.
I felt That Ms. Summersky Rudas and Ms. Lucy Rybarczyk had a strong connection not only through their characters but as actors. They played off each other’s movements as if they already knew what was coming next. There wasn’t a dull moment, even when they were fighting in the dining room. Where no words were spoken just a few random grunts.
The Keller family played a big role throughout the performance. They played a big role in Helen’s life and the way she grew up with her manners and how they let her do whatever she pleased and whenever. And when Annie tried to get them to understand what she was doing, they didn’t like it and tried to go back to what they were use too. They acted like a dysfunctional family. I really liked the use of real food and real water on stage.
Costa Mesa High School’s Production of “The Miracle Worker” was a heart throbbing tale between a student and her teacher, it was moving and touching. It was Beautiful.
by Megan Rose Sanders of El Dorado
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Costa Mesa opens hearts with a miracle
Many people know the story of Helen Keller but few fully comprehend her life and struggles. The Miracle Worker not only paints a vivid picture of Keller's early years, opening with Helen's parents Kate (Allie Hatch) and Captain (Zach Keane) standing over a crib realizing with sadness that their daughter could now not hear or see. As the show progresses the audience sees Helen Keller's (Summersky Rudas) introduction to Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk) and the hard struggle between not only the student and teacher but between the other characters of the show.
Summersky Rudas gave an amazing performance while playing Helen Keller. She never broke character, convincing the audience that she was blind by stumbling and giving a blank look toward the audience that continued through the scene changes. Rudas's frustration and stubbornness, portrayed by her impeccable physicality and grunts, made the audience sympathize with the plight of a blind girl, misunderstood by all other human beings including her children. Her first understanding of language and her rush to learn all there is to know through signing was done with such energy and eagerness that the audience took joy in her breakthrough.
As Annie Sullivan, Lucy Rybarczyk combined drive with an intense conviction to do what is right, standing up against her parents and passionate, physical fights she engaged in with Helen to give an extremely realistic portrayal of a women attempting to do the impossible, teach a young girl coddled by her loving yet misunderstanding parents what shouldn't be impossible- language. Her progression as a person who could not love and into a teacher who takes joy and embraces her feelings for a young girl, accepting her openly into her arms, crying tears out of sheer happiness thrills the audience.
Both Kory Bennion and Allie Hatch, as James and Kate Keller respectively gave impressive performances. Bennion not only gave comic relief with his dry humor delivered with unmatched comedic timing but also made the entire audience sympathize with his desire for more love from his father. Hatch's believable portrayal of a mother's battle between a coddling nurturer, constantly pacifying her child with candy or hugs and desire to do what is best for Helen.
Costa Mesa High School's production of The Miracle Worker deserves recognition for a realistic, professional show that left audiences with a new understanding of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan.
by Nicole Glenn of El Dorado
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To write love upon a stage…
The true story of Annie Sullivan and her blind, mute, and deaf student Helen Keller captivates and touches hearts at Costa Mesa High School. The Miracle Worker brings us into the dark, lonely, and silent world of Helen Keller. Her world seemed to have no purpose or meaning until Annie Sullivan, an ambitious teacher joins the Keller family in the struggle for Helen’s literacy.
As an ensemble, the cast truly enhances the plot line through a smooth flow of bold and dynamic character choices. As the stage lights up, the audience is brought to a state of deep compassion as we witness the love and affection of a desperate mother for her beloved child. Allie Hatch creates a subtle but passionate character through her portrayal as Kate Keller, the mother of Helen Keller. As the plot continues, we are introduced to Helen Keller (Summersky Rudas). Summersky brings us into the mind of Helen Keller through powerful and dynamic physicality. We are also introduced to James Keller (Kory Bennion), Helen Keller’s rebellious step brother. Kory brings the audience to great laughter through his vocal and physical comedic timing. The arrival of the young ambitious teacher Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarcyk), brought new life to the Keller family. Lucy dominates the stage as she fully embodies her character. Through her powerful portrayal, the audience is brought to the edg
e of their seats as we witness Annie fight for Helen through many dynamic and inspirational scenes.
The Miracle Worker also provides many outstanding aspects of technical theatre. Props by Carrise Ahern truly accent the production through providing the actors with the proper materials to best fit each scene.
Costa Mesa High School inspires audiences through this beautiful production of The Miracle Worker. As we witness the story of Helen Keller’s life unfold, we learn the empowering lessons of love and how through love there is new life to be found. “Once I knew only darkness and stillness… my life was without past or future… but a little word from the fingers of another fell into my hand that clutched at emptiness, and my heart leaped to the rapture of living.” –Helen Keller
by Ryan Yoder of El Dorado
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Cappies review: 'The Miracle Worker'
Miracles abound at Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa delightfully performs “The Miracle Worker”, the beautiful story of the remarkably bright, blind, deaf, and mute Helen Keller.
Filled with struggle, heartbreak, hope, and enlightenment, Costa Mesa's production of The Miracle Worker tells the true story of Helen Keller (Sumersky Rudas), a young girl whose blindness and deafness has left her in a world of darkness, and her teacher, Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk), who strives to reach Helen through language and bring her back to the speaking world while dealing with the ghosts of her past and the struggles that Helen's loving but misunderstanding parents present.
Together Lucy Rybarczyk and Summersky Rudas form a formidable dynamic duo that is riveting and intriguing at every moment. Rybarczyk develops a complete, integral character with her strong stage presence, clear purpose, and commendable comedic timing. Her ability to remain firm and persistent throughout the show while displaying a distinct progression in her feelings toward Helen and the Kellers create compelling scenes that captivate the audience's attention. The stubborn and childish nature of Rudas's character is evident through her fierce but cautious movements across the set. This physicality also depicts her disabilities superbly. Rudas's thrashing, stumbling, and flailing across the stage show exceptional commitment to character and create realistic, believable moments. At the end of the first act, Rudas and Rybarczyk's lengthy scramble at the breakfast table adds humor and intense action to the production making it a memorable moment of the show.
Allie Hatch and Kory Bennion as Kate and James Keller respectively deliver noteworthy performances. Hatch captures the essence of sincere motherly love as her character struggles with wanting to help her child and wanting to protect her. Her natural, striking emotions are evident in her facial expressions which capture her pain and confusion while she tries to decide what is best for her daughter. Bennion's sarcastic character provides comedic relief throughout the show and he transitions smoothly from the snide, uncaring youth to an older brother who cherishes Helen and wants to help her.
While at times accents are inconsistent and there are difficulties with lines, the cast more than compensates for these issues with their commitment to character and realistic relationships.
The organic props, designed by Carrise Ahern, add to the authenticity of the show and secures the audience in the moment.
Costa Mesa's production of The Miracle Worker opens all our eyes and ears to the miracle of communication.
by Elizabeth Bluth of La Habra
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Realizations of patience and understanding are grasped in Costa Mesa’s “The Miracle Worker”
“This soul–this blind, deaf, mute woman–can nothing be done to disinter this human soul?” A teacher opens the mind of her student to a world of language and understanding in Costa Mesa High School’s rendition of William Gibson’s “The Miracle Worker.”
Half-blind Annie Sullivan is sent to the home of the Keller family, where she must attempt to teach deaf, blind, and mute Helen Keller of communication through the miracle of sign language. All the while, Annie is burdened by dark memories of her past, which she must overcome in order to gain the trust of Helen and accomplish the undertaking she set out to complete.
Lucy Rybarczyk, in the role of Annie Sullivan, brings her character to life with persistence and determination. Rybarczyk’s frustration with the stubborn Helen is evident through the rough and forceful manner in which she hauls Helen across the stage. With obstinate grunts, Summersky Rudas (Helen Keller) dominates the stage with an apparent passion to understand the unseen, unheard, and unrecognizable world that surrounds her. As she moves about the stage, Rudas enlivens the gait of a blind child, stumbling and reaching to find that which she is just on the cusp of grasping.
Allie Hatch and Zach Keane (Kate and Captain Keller) portray Helen’s parents with ease. Hatch’s sincere love for Helen is clear through her tender and warm embraces, visibly exposing her maternal qualities. As Helen’s older brother, Kory Bennion depicts James Keller with witty sarcasm that easily provides comedic relief to the otherwise dramatic production. His underlying desire to be accepted by his father is masked with an air of indifference that Bennion subtly makes clear to the audience.
Saying goodbye to Annie Sullivan in touching manners are the Blind Girls (Courtney Hatch, Selena Arreola, Hunter Strodel, Rachel Witter, Kendall Bradley), who evoke a sense of compassion and sympathy, each saying farewell in an individual way. The girls stay in consistent, never flouting from their sightless characters.
With the stage crew (Carrise Ahern) in servant attire, set changes are not distracting to the eye of the audience and flow well in rhythm with the show.
As the lights dim on a touching story, audiences come to the realization that patience truly is a virtue, thanks to the talented cast of Costa Mesa High School’s “The Miracle Worker.”
by Jaclyn Stickel of La Habra
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A Miracle at Costa Mesa High School
The Miracle Worker, directed by Kathy Paladino with the assistance of Jackie Melbon was a heart wrenching play that brought the audience into Annie Sullivan’s world. This play, without any acting, could be read to you in a monotone voice and you would still be completely indulged in the story. The text is amazing but these actors and actresses just enhanced the experience. They transformed each and every character.
The Miracle Worker herself, Annie Sullivan, played by Lucy Rybarczyk commands the stage as her character should. Her performance is especially wonderful because she never seems to lose the connection with her audience. At one point all dialogue stopped and Lucy and her female co-star Summersky Rudas, who played Helen Keller, had about what seemed like ten minutes of non-stop physical blocking. It was absolutely beautiful because the whole audience stopped, and just watched, gasping and laughing at every flinch, scream, or slap. At the end I couldn’t believe what I had witnessed, because the movements were so original, so organic, that I couldn’t believe that I was watching high school students. This happened to me a few times actually, especially while watching Kate Keller, played by Allie Hatch. She portrayed the sorrow and love of a helpless woman without being too over dramatic, which seems ironic I know. Allie held strong and let her character grow throughout the play. T
his story line never fails to impress, and most of the students portrayed that and did impress.
Other than the acting the stage crew flows through the scenes. Dressed as servants they weaved in and out of scenes as if one of the cast. They never seemed to distract the audience, although one little part of the cast seemed to have. The dog (no name in playbill) seemed to distract the audience just a tad. I know I couldn’t take my eyes of it! I the end the show was a wonderful experience that kept me indulged.
by Taylor Brewer of La Habra
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Costa Mesa’s "The Miracle Worker" heightens all senses
Like a candle left unlit, Helen Keller is suppressed by her own parent’s love throughout her childhood because of her disabilities. In Costa Mesa’s “The Miracle Worker,” every scene is masterfully prepared to capture the audience one tender moment at a time.
As a child, Helen Keller (Summersky Rudas) is diagnosed with “an acute congestion of the stomach and the brain,” leaving a brilliant child both blind and deaf. It is not until Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk), a mentor who was once blind herself, ruthlessly takes the child under her wing that Helen is able to live up to her full potential.
Stomping her feet and thrashing about, Summersky Rudas as Helen Keller commands the stage without speaking a single word. With a remarkable consistency throughout the show, Rudas remains in the character of Helen even after the lights have dimmed, cueing the end of another gripping scene. Alongside Helen, Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk) remains persistent and driven through even the most difficult moments. In this demanding role, Rybarczyk remains entirely rigid and does not waver no matter the obstacle Helen throws in her way, exactly as Sullivan would have. With tremendous physical commitment from both Rudas and Rybarczyk, it is no wonder their duo is so heart-wrenchingly compelling.
Costumed as the Keller’s help, Carrise Ahern’s stage crew sets the stage for each stage skillfully and without disturbing a single moment. From cake, to pasta, to ice-cold water, Carrise Ahern’s use of real food heightens the realism of the show’s most poignant moments, helping the audience feel the heightened level of distress as Annie and the rest of the Keller family feels.
Costa Mesa’s heartrending story of a gleaming child who has been dulled throughout her entire life, Helen Keller’s story, "The Miracle Worker” is one that will not be soon forgotten.
by Susanna Duvalis of Mission Viejo
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Costa Mesa inspires with a heartfelt performance
As the play opens, Helen Keller is plagued by a fever that tests the endurance of her whole family. Costa Mesa High School's production of The Miracle Worker illustrates the hardships related to connecting with a child who literally cannot understand or be understood, at least in the beginning.
Inspired by Helen Keller’s autobiography, The Story of My Life, The Miracle Worker is the story of Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk) who brings desperately needed intervention into the lives of the Keller family, especially young Helen Keller (Summersky Rudas). Blind and deaf, Helen is raised initially with naive compassion and very little discipline. Although Helen’s plight seems worse than hopeless in the beginning, as the play progresses, the audience is treated to an inspirational night of theatre.
Kate Keller (Allie Hatch) opens the play with deep emotional concern and general despair as she snaps her fingers above her feverish baby Helen in hopes of getting her attention. The enunciation, intensity, and expressive tone supplied by this capable actress helps audience members to believe her desperation at finding her child deaf and blind. The scene builds when Captain Keller (Zach Keane) contributes to the tragic momentum projecting his own cries of concern.
A particularly notable moment in the opening act of the play is the scene featuring the blind girls. As Annie prepares for her departure from the school for the blind, the voices of the children echoing one another shows the audience their genuine unity and love for Annie.
Helen (Summersky Rudas) stays true to her character. Her loud hammering on the floor and strong growls in response to correction, add believability to her spoiled yet frustrated character. This contrasts beautifully with the role of Annie (Lucy Rybarczyk) who struggles to teach the child the lessons her family has neglected for so long.
Rybarczky's confident performance carries the show, and she quickly establishes her relationship with Helen. The very realistic slaps the two exchange, and their four-minute, semi-silent breakfast scene complete with pushing and slapping, are absolutely believable.
James Keller (Kory Bennion) in the role of Helen's half-brother, serves as much appreciated comic relief in this serious Drama. His relaxed, cocky tone and fixed stage presence help to develop the relationships this character shares with the other actors on the stage.
Another creative component in the show is the stage crew's incorporation into the storyline as characters. Guided by capable Stage Manager, Carrise Ahern, the crew successfully moves on and off the stage in character, virtually eliminating the distraction traditionally caused by set changes performed by all-in-black grips.
Though they have limited stage time, the crones (Moira Huntly, Courtney Hatch, Hunter Strodel) use verbal melody to create a memorable spooky mood throughout the play.
Utilizing one miracle after another, Costa Mesa High School’s cast of The Miracle Worker not only performs, but also embodies this moving, true story brought to life on the stage.
by Alex Avram of Newport Harbor
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Costa Mesa’s “Miracle Worker” is a hit
A frightened mother snaps her fingers before her daughter’s face, waiting for a response from her child, and receiving none. “The Miracle Worker”, a William Gibson play, follows the early childhood and development of Helen Keller, played by Summersky Rudas, and her teacher Annie Sullivan, played by Lucy Rybarczyk. The show begins with the relieved Kate Keller (Allie Hatch) rejoicing over the imminent recovery of her infant daughter, until she discovers the girl is blind and deaf, yelling, “Helen! Helen!” As the show progresses, Helen, Kate, and the Captain (Zach Keane) fight and yell, bicker and cry. That is, until young Annie Sullivan enters their lives and turns their world upside down. From then on, this wonderful cast and crew pull the audience into the world of the Keller family and don’t let go.
The cast does a fantastic job in their respective roles. As Helen Keller, Summersky Rudas captivates the audience with her raw emotion and aggressive physicality, particularly in her breakfast-table tantrum scene. Opposite her as Annie Sullivan, Lucy Rybarcyzk dominates the scenes with her huge stage presence, painting a very intimidating and no-nonsense character eager to make something of herself. With her fabulous comedic timing, Lucy brings a light element of comedy to the show with every sassy, sarcastic remark. Combining the talents of Summersky Rudas and Lucy Rybarcyzk results in a dynamic duo of energetic characters nearly always locked in the silent warfare of willful child and stubborn adult.
Allie Hatch plays Kate Keller, Helen’s mother. From the moment she steps on stage, Allie fills the room with the attitude of a sympathetic, worried, protective mother. With Helen’s every tantrum, Allie throws herself into the brawl fearlessly, while still maintaining a sweet, quiet air. Her character adds to the turmoil of the fight with wailing pleas and interfering hands when least needed. Included in the Keller family is James (Kory Bennion). Kory makes his character saucy, sarcastic, rude, and endearing. As the comic relief of the show, Kory inserts his snappy lines exactly where they fit best. The crew of “Miracle Worker”, lead by stage manager Carrise Ahern, bands together to produce flawless scene changes and ques. Thanks to the impeccable timing and diligence of this stunning stage crew, every mess was cleaned and the stage pristine in time for the next scene.
As a whole, the cast makes Costa Mesa’s “The Miracle Worker” a success. The actors create an inspiring, endearing show, while the crew works together to make seamless transitions. Each actor adds to the show in their own unique way, coming together to result in this delightful show.
by Alexis Stary of Newport Harbor
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Costa Mesa High School leaves its audience speechless.
When unable to see or hear, the only thing left to do is touch a heart. Costa Mesa High school’s rendition of the play The Miracle Worker is simply a touching one. No miracle is needed to show these students talent; it is evident through every move they make.
The Miracle Worker is a play originally produced in London’s West End at the Royalty Theatre in 1961. It tells the true story of Helen Keller, a young girl who developed a devastating illness when she was nineteen months old leaving her both deaf and blind. Annie Sullivan, a determined young teacher, arrives at Helen’s home and begins the complicated and seemingly impossible task of teaching the child to communicate.
It may seem ironic that Summersky Rudas plays a character incapable of communication (Helen) because she happens to communicate to the audience extremely well. She stomps her feet when she is angry, splashes water all over the place, falls over chairs, throws silverware across the dinner table, all displaying the undisciplined nature of her character in the first act. As the second act progresses, she portrays her character development by making softer movements such as stroking her dolls hair and delicately touching Annie’s face. Lucy Rybarczyk (Annie Sullivan) also is a standout actress. She consistently shows her character’s goal oriented personality by the way she carries herself. Each movement seems as if it has purpose and she speaks with a clear and firm voice. A favorite scene is one where she attempts to teach Helen (Summersky) to eat at the table. Her persistence in working with the violent girl is evident.
Kory Bennion (James Keller) provides the play with a much needed comic relief. His sarcastic tone and gestures spur on many chuckles from the audience. Allie Hatch who plays Helen’s sympathetic mother Kate stays dedicated to her role. Whenever Annie has to discipline Helen, Allie acts as if she had to hold herself back from interfering, showing her inability to scold her innocent daughter. The Blind Girls (Courtney Hatch, Selena Arreola, Hunter Strodel, Rachel Witter and Kendall Bradley) are quite impressive with the believable look in their eyes and how they form a train to support each other as they walk. Some of the cast’s accents seem to disappear at times, however it is overshadowed by their realistic emotions. They even bring a real dog on the stage, which can sometimes be a distraction but overall is a unique addition to the show.
The stage crew, lead by Carrise Ahern, are dressed as servants, eliminating the distraction of scene changes. They move quickly and efficiently, creating a more enjoyable performance.
The cast and crew team together to communicate the tear-jerking story through all forms of language: verbal and physical. After all, “there is only one way out, and its language”.
by Allie Whitfield of Newport Harbor
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CMHS brings new light to the Miracle Worker
Costa Mesa High School opens the audience’s eyes to the world of Helen Keller and her relentless teacher during their production of The Miracle Worker. This compelling story shows the childhood of Helen Keller, a blind mute, who, after many doctors and specialists, is sent an angel named Annie Sullivan who helps her find her way through hard work and persistence.
Summersky Rudas brings to life the character of Helen Keller. From her first stumble on stage, with her arms stretched out and her eyes gazing out at nothing, you feel as if she is actually a blind mute, and with each grunt, or tantrum which consist of flailing limbs and manic screams you realize that this actress is not only playing Helen; she has become her.
Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk) commands the stage. Her elegant yet youthful and spunky stage presence combined with her abundant confidence portrays to the audience a woman who is young, yet determined to do whatever she can to help this spoiled little girl.
One of the greatest scenes in the play is between Helen and Annie, and it is done without any words. Helen refuses to eat like a civilized person and so Annie tries to change that. What follows is a food fight of epic proportions. With eggs flying and animalistic screams ringing; this scene which lasted about 5 minutes shows the audience the talent and dedication of Rybarczyk and Rudas.
Kory Bennion embodies the role of James Keller. He is witty, hardworking, and misunderstood by his father. Bennion provides the comic relief to the show through his sarcastic remarks and hilarious gestures. His character makes a clear transformation from boy to man which is remarkable to watch. Allie Hatch as Kate Keller captures the blind love of a mother who tries to do what’s right, but can’t see that what she’s doing is really hurting her child making for a slightly skewed family dynamic.
With a talented hard working cast, and organized stage crew led by Carrise Ahern, Costa Mesa High School portrayed The Miracle Worker flawlessly on stage.
by Allison Sheppard of Newport Harbor
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The Miracle of Love
Water cascades across the stage as a well-kempt teacher and a wild, grunting girl dash aside a pitcher in their frenzied struggle for dominance. A worried mother helplessly peers into the fray, the love and desperation in her eyes spilling over the scene as the water spills across the floor. Tension between love and violence dominates the contest of will that fills the stage.
This is a small portion of a viewer’s experience of Costa Mesa High School’s production of “The Miracle Worker,” a play that depicts Annie Sullivan in her long, exhausting struggle to investigate and open the mind of her blind, deaf charge, Helen Keller. Lucy Rybarczyk, who plays Sullivan, is truly magnificent, filling the stage with her presence as she takes charge of each and every scene. Her bold deliberation gives her power, and is tempered by a softer, loving side that lends her character both depth and a feeling of ‘realness’. Her growth from a new, money-oriented teacher into a compassionate mother of sorts further adds to this sense of authenticity, the feeling that Annie Sullivan herself is present.
Alone, however, Rybarczyk can do very little: the depth of her Sullivan is largely due to her partner on stage, the handicapped Helen, played by Summersky Rudas. From her bedraggled locks to her faded slip, Rudas looks the part of a savage, incapable of profound thought. In other words, she looks precisely as she should. Though slightly old for the role, Rudas makes it work, her raw, unseeing eyes flawlessly portraying Keller’s pain. Though unable to speak, she evokes emotion with her pure physicality and harsh, animalistic grunts. Whether furiously slashing across the stage or timidly cowering behind her mother, her mannerisms themselves build a depth of emotion perhaps even deeper than that of Rybarczyk.
Other characters that stand out include Kate and James Keller, played respectively by Allie Hatch and Kory Bennion. As Kate, Hatch fills the room with her utter love and devotion to her troubled daughter, bringing tears to the eyes of her audience as she clutched her to the heart of her flowing gowns. Bennion adds a comedic aspect to the show, relieving tension with his carefree smile, confident stride, and cocky delivery of his witty lines, and further goes on to grow from a boy into a man who stands up for what he believes is right. Stage crew in servants’ garb, led by Carrise Ahern, work (and succeed) to smoothly operate the show in a natural, fluid manner. All this further augments the organic feel of the show; one feels that one truly is watching the lives of these actors unfold on the stage.
Despite some dropped accents and jumbled lines, Costa Mesa’s “The Miracle Worker” is truly a miracle, portraying this story of love, hope, and desperation in a manner that chills the spine and has the potential to pull stinging tears from one’s ever-attentive eyes.
by Tal Kirk of Newport Harbor
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Mesa reminds us what to be thankful for
The Miracle Worker is the story of Annie Sullivan and her breakthrough of finding a way to communicate with Helen Keller, a young deaf and blind girl due to scarlet fever as a child. Costa Mesa’s show communicates to the audience the struggle for Annie and Helen to reach the miracle of communication.
The show begins with Captain Keller, played by Zachary Keane, and Mrs. Kate Keller, played by Allie Hatch, learning the their daughter Helen will live through her illness of the scarlet fever with no complications. Then, Mrs. Keller realizes her daughter is deaf and blind when Helen does not respond to Mrs. Keller’s hand movements or her saying her name. In both Keane and Hatch their emotions heighten due to this news, it is visible in their physicalities and tones of voices. Hatch perfectly captures the worry of a mother when finding that their child will be impaired. The show then skips to when Helen, played by Summersky Rudas, is a growing up and struggles to try to find a way to communicate how she feels to her family. Rudas is phenomenal in her performance, she remains in character at all times and uses her body language to act the whole time. Soon after the audience is introduced to Annie Sullivan, played by Lucy Rybarczyk, and she is the only one that treats Helen like a normal child and thinks of her not as a child that has a problem but a child that needs to learn a different way to communicate. Throughout the play, James Keller, played by Kory Bennion, acts as a comic relief to the seriousness of this story. Bennion’s comedic timing is perfect.
As the plot continues, there is a intense and silent struggle between Annie and Helen to try to teach Helen to sit at the dinner table. Rybarczyk and Rudas were able to reveal to the audience the wild fight that it took to teach Helen only one thing. They made fight not look like mechanical, but real because of their physicalities and their emotion throughout their entire bodies. In the end of the play Annie reaches Helen and they finally understand one another.
The crew for this show, was not dressed in the typical all black but what looked like a servants uniform which made them not distracting when they came on stage.
The breakthrough of the language barrier was greatly shown to the audience and reminded the audience to be thankful for having the ability to communicate with others.
by Tori Harris of Newport Harbor
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Costa Mesa’s The Miracle Worker works
Light is shed on the dark world of Helen Keller in Costa Mesa High School’s touching performance of The Miracle Worker. Based on Helen Keller’s autobiography, The Miracle Worker opened on Broadway in 1959, with an admirable 719 performances.
In Tuscumbia, Alabama a young Helen Keller (Summersky Rudas) grows, pitied and spoiled by her parents Kate Keller (Allie Hatch) and Captain Keller (Zach Keane), and neglected by her brother James Keller (Kory Bennion). Her out-of-control behavior forces her family to turn to Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk) to teach Helen how to behave. Over a series of months, and several fights, Annie is able to connect with Helen, and for the first time, open her mind.
Summersky Rudas’ portrayal of Helen is beyond plausible. In a role with whom most people can’t even relate with, Rudas becomes a character which seems to suck the audience into the world of Helen. Every aspect, from the misunderstood tantrums of a spoiled child, to the helplessness of a girl who is lost in a world of darkness, is so clearly delivered that it is sometimes forgotten if Rudas, herself, can see.
Reinforcing Rudas is the performance given by Lucy Rybarczyk, whose will as a teacher and believer in hope only further strengthens the relationship between the two actors. Rybarczyk is able to bind scenes together with the perfect balance to Rudas, being a voice of reason and control during many of Helen’s tantrums. Rybarczyk’s comedic timing is also laudable where, accompanied by an admirable Irish-Western accent, she diffuses tension when necessary.
While both Rudas and Rybarczyk give amazing performances on their own, it is when the two actors are together that the stage comes alive. In the closing scene for act one, where the Keller residence becomes everything but a brawl, with eggs, spoons, and water flying everywhere, Rudas and Rubarczyk deliver the at the peak of emotion, without even uttering a single word. With the effective use of props by Carrise Ahern, the whole scene is more like an organic dance between two different people.
Other admirable performances come from Allie Hatch and Kory Bennion, whose development of character is clearly seen from beginning to end.
Costa Mesa’s cast delivers a beyond-commendable performance, creating a tale which reminds us to never give up hope, even when the world seems at its darkest.
by Rafe Altschuler of Orange Lutheran
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The Miracle Worker Works
Imagine living in a world of complete darkness, silence, mystery, and confusion. You are lost, helpless, and broken. You are forced to depend on others for your very survival, all the while knowing that there must be a whole new world somewhere beyond your reach, but are at a complete loss without someone to give you the key. This is the world of Helen Keller, an Alabama girl rendered blind, deaf, and consequently mute by a sickness during infancy. Her entire life was an uphill battle as she struggled to learn what the average person knows and takes completely for granted: language.
Costa Mesa High School’s rendition of William Gibson’s 1959 play “The Miracle Worker,” based on Helen Keller’s autobiography The Story of My Life, was beautifully done. Directed by Kathy Paladino, this two-hour two-act piece offered a new perspective of the challenges of life through the unseeing eyes of Helen and her family. Summersky Rudas played a perfectly pitiful Helen, groping her way across the stage with eyes staring into nothingness with nothing but guttural moans and screams as a means of communication. She demonstrated her acting proficiency in a scene where teacher Annie Sullivan, played by Lucy Rybarczyk, shows Helen how to eat like a human being instead of an animal. This battle of wills is the perfect scene to describe Annie’s unrelenting dedication to seeing Helen succeed. Sullivan pushes the Keller family to do what is truly best for Helen, no matter how difficult.
Kate Keller, played by Allie Hatch, embodied the character of a parent who struggles with her circumstance, yet never ceases to love her impaired child. James Keller, played by Kory Bennion, offered effortless comedic relief which was valuable in such a heavy show.
In “The Miracle Worker,” Helen Keller is like a safe which Annie must open. No one knows what lies inside. It may be a treasure, or it may be empty… but Annie won’t rest until she finds out.
by Zack Zumbek of Orange Lutheran
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Costa Mesa tells Helen Keller’s story with sincerity
The Miracle Worker tells the story of Helen Keller, a girl who is both deaf and blind, and how Annie Sullivan, a young teacher, teaches her obedience, discipline, and eventually, language. Costa Mesa High School performs The Miracle Worker with a strong ensemble cast and smooth technical elements.
Summersky Rudas as Helen Keller leads the cast with her physicality and by raising the stakes onstage. Rudas kicks, grunts, screams, and pulls as Annie Sullivan tries to teach her language. The climax of the play is when Helen realizes that each object has a word that identifies it. Rudas shows Helen’s realization through a change in the expression of her face from confusion to enlightenment and by finally loving and appreciating Annie with a warm embrace.
Lucy Rybarczyk plays Annie Sullivan with a clear and dinstinct presence of ambition. Rybarczyk commands attention onstage, just like Annie commands attention in the Keller household. Allie Hatch as Kate Keller plays a well balanced character, a mother who sincerely loves her daughter but who does not understand what is best for her. Hatch connects with Helen as a real mother would. At the beginning of the play when Kate (Hatch) snaps and claps in front of Helen‘s (Rudas) face, Kate sees that Helen is deaf and blind, and the audience sees the pain creep across the face of a heartbroken mother. Rybarczyk and Hatch contrast to form two distinct figures, each with a different tone. This contrast supports Helen’s struggle between her mother’s leniency and Annie’s strictness.
Kory Bennion as James Keller shows the progression from Helen’s cynical brother to a softer character who sees the work that Annie does for his sister. Bennion provides comic relief with good comedic timing and attitude as he sits at the dinner table and makes snide remarks.
The Blind Girls work together as an ensemble and literally depend on each other for support as they walk with their arms on each others shoulders. Although some actors lack consistency and character development, the cast overcomes this with sincerity and high energy.
The Stage Crew, led by Carrise Ahern, changes scenes with speed and without disruption. The play transitions well from scene to scene, keeping the audience’s attention.
Costa Mesa High School performs The Miracle Worker successfully, telling a powerful story of doubt, faith, change, and love.
by Emma Rice of St. Margaret's
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Eye-Opening Show at Costa Mesa High School
Costa Mesa’s production of The Miracle Worker tells the touching story of the determined and willful governess Annie Sullivan’s efforts to teach Helen Keller to communicate.
Summersky Rudas brings the obstinate character of Helen Keller to life. She conveys her frustration at her lack of ability to function as a normal child with thrashing, stomping, and screaming. When Annie tries to teach her proper table manners, Helen shrieks with frustration, flailing in her seat and hurling silverware at Annie. Her blindness is obvious from the way she stumbles across the stage, reaching desperately for something to hold onto to find her way. When she finally learns to communicate with her family, her eagerness is shown by the frantic way she searches to discover the names of new objects and people. Helen’s relationship with Annie progresses throughout the show, at first characterized by angry tantrums and flailing limbs, and at the end of the show by a tender embrace.
Lucy Rybarczyk shines as Annie Sullivan. While some other characters struggle with their southern accents, Lucy’s Irish brogue remains subtle and spot-on for the duration of the show. Lucy’s every moment as Annie is controlled and deliberate, creating a character that is ambitious and solid. Despite the seriousness of the character, Lucy delivers her few funny lines with cool comedic timing. Although the character is defined by severe movements early in the show, her gestures in the end become soft and almost maternal
Kory Bennion brings comedy to the show as Helen’s dashing older brother, James Keller. Kory’s witty comments are accented well by his wry expressions and sardonic smiles. With glares and sullen facials, James’s disdain for his stepmother is made clear to the audience.
A talented ensemble supports the skillful leading actors. Annie’s blind students use stumbling movements and outstretched hands to show their blindness, and clasp onto Annie and each other as a gesture of affection and need.
This production is guaranteed to warm any heart with its dynamic, interesting characters.
by Amanda Lorge of Tesoro
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Costa Mesa’s miracle
In a world where spoken language is the only way to communicate, how is anyone without this tool able to survive? Through Costa Mesa’s “The Miracle Worker” we follow the lives of Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk), a teacher struggling to teach, and Helen Keller (Summersky Rudas), a pupil struggling to learn.
Commanding the stage, Lucy Rybarczyk depicts Annie Sullivan. Annie is a woman from a difficult background, for she has been blind herself. Having been in Helen’s shoes, Annie understands what Helen is capable of and what others are holding her back from. When Helen acts up during any of their teachings, Annie disciplines her as she would discipline a normal child. Flailing and thrashing about, Rudas refuses to sit still. Persistent, Annie provides spoon after spoon for Helen to use. Letting nothing but passion fly, the stage is flooded with a sea of raw emotion as Rybarczyk and Rudas work off of each other’s give and take. This provides for a memorable, beautiful scene leaving every audience member speechless.
The blind girls (Courtney Hatch, Selena Arreola, Hunter Strodel, Rachel Witter, Kendall Bradley) literally define an ensemble as they work off of each other to survive. As they say goodbye to their life-long friend Annie, they pass down a present for her to keep. Through their slumping character walks and bowed heads, it is plain to see their love and attachment to Annie.
Providing comedic relief to this heart-wrenching tale, Kory Bennion portrays James Keller. Bennion delivers almost every line with a sarcastic tone, causing roars of laughter to erupt from the audience. Adding a third dimension to his character however, Bennion also proves he acts this way to win the affection of his father.
In Costa Mesa’s “The Miracle Worker” we are taught that anything we set our mind to can be accomplished.
by Brian Silver of Tesoro
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Costa Mesa opens our eyes to greatness
Engulfed in complete darkness, a young girl named Helen Keller struggles in a world where sight and sound don’t exist. But with the help of a special teacher for the blind, can she learn to survive in this shadowed world? Costa Mesa presents The Miracle Worker, a heartwarming story about the young Helen Keller’s journey to learn how to communicate without the use of her eyes or ears. The extremely talented cast puts on a stupendous show that reaches out and touches our souls through their dynamic character work and cooperation as an ensemble.
As she desperately tries to make a breakthrough with poor Helen, celebrated actress Lucy Rybarczyk assumes the role of Annie Sullivan, the teacher. Rybarczyk puts on a breathtaking performance between her comedic moments, such as when she tricks Helen by moving her doll around the room as Helen attempts to look for it, and also through her dramatic moments, such as the honest relief and joy that sweeps across her delighted face when Helen finally learns that objects have names.
Allie Hatch, who played the role of the mother, Kate Keller, also displayed a vast amount of proficiency onstage which filled our hearts with empathy throughout the performance. Hatch’s serene and sincere character voice contrasted extremely well with Rybarczyk’s character voice, which created a pleasant harmony that caused their exchanges to pull the audience into attention. Hatch’s facial expressions were also booming with honesty, such as how her face wrinkles into a frown of great sadness and disappointment when she is told that Annie has to take her daughter away from her for two weeks.
During the play, Annie has flashbacks to her late younger brother Jimmy, and she sees him being circled by three old crones who pick on him and call out Annie’s personal flaws. Although they did not have much stage time, the crones, played by Moria Huntly, Courtney Hatch, and Hunter Strodel, shine as a classic Greek “furies” ensemble with their scratchy voices and the way they quietly slip on and sneak around the stage.
With countless tension-filled scenes and dynamic outbursts of passion and feeling, Costa Mesa High School reminds us how important it is to chase our goals and never give up on our hopes and dreams. The awe-inspiring talent of the cast puts on a truly miraculous performance.
by Bryan Hefner of Tesoro
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Miracles make their way to Costa Mesa
“The Miracle Worker” at Costa Mesa tells us the story of the relationship between a blind, deaf girl, Helen Keller, and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, as she attempts to teach Helen the meaning of words.
Annie Sullivan (Lucy Rybarczyk) leads the cast with her refined stature, stern tone, and firm determination as she keeps composure and stays strict with Helen, even as she throws a temper tantrum, in order to teach her manners. Annie’s character shows tremendous change from being the teacher who is there for the money, to a friend who is there for Helen and willing to help her no matter what hardships get in the way. Another notable character is Helen Keller (Summersky Rudas) who demonstrates great physicality as she stumbles across the stage and then bursts out into violent rages by thrashing her arms, knocking things over, and slapping Annie or her mother in retaliation to the orders given to her. Keller makes her character believable with her blank stare and constant touching and feeling of things around her showing us she is blind.
A memorable scene is the food fight when Annie forces Helen to the table trying to teach her manners while Helen rebels by throwing food and utensils while fighting Annie off by striking and kicking her. The struggle escalates into a full blown brawl with Annie smacking Helen across the face and dragging her to the table. In the end, Helen learns to fold her napkin.
Helen’s mother, Kate Keller (Allie Hatch), shows love for her daughter and eagerness to help her when she holds herself back trying not to appease Helen, by caressing her in her arms and giving her a peppermint, because she knows it will continue the bad habits that she has let develop and that Annie is trying to correct. While some characters lack energy and motivation, James Keller (Kory Bennion) has high vigor and good comedic timing as he talks back to Annie in a subtle, resistant tone showing he disagrees with her methods.
The props add to the intensity of the scenes especially during the food fight with real eggs launching across the table and water spilling over flooding the stage.
“The Miracle Worker” shows us miracles can happen through persistence and determination, and Costa Mesa’s performance leaves you wanting to see more.
by Nick Mestakides of Tesoro
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The miracle worker opens eyes and hearts
Costa Mesa's production of "The Miracle Worker" by William Gibson was a powerfully delivered performance not soon to be forgotten. Through the obvious passion of the actors and the incredible command of the stage and its props, the cast orchestrated a truly moving show.
"The Miracle Worker" is the story of Helen Keller and her struggle to comprehend the world as a normal child. When deafness and blindness threaten to silence Helen forever, her devoted parents bring in Annie Sullivan to try and save their daughter. Even Helen's violence and anger cannot stop Annie. Through Annie's devotion and determination, miracles truly do happen.
Helen Keller, played by Summersky Rudas, gave a truly inspirational performance. Her devotion to the character is clear with her enormous levels of energy and perfect physicalities. Helen's stubborn and unrelenting nature is amplified by her sharp, powerful movements. In the dinner scene, when Annie is attempting to teach Helen how to eat properly, Helen's anger and frustration, though not expressed through words, is displayed through physical movements. In her fury, Helen lashes out at Annie, flinging food onto the ground, throwing utensils across the room, and viciously attacking Annie with a wave of kicks and punches. Perhaps Summersky's most remarkable talent is that in the absence of any real lines, she is still able to communicate such incredible amounts of sadness, depression, and beautifully powerful triumph.
Annie Sullivan, played by Lucy Rybarczyk gave a memorable performance as well. Her love for Helen is shown in every one of her actions. Her powerful stage presence amplified her characters determination to save Helen. The caliber of her performance eclipsed the already strong presentations of the other cast members. Her rapid walk, stern voice, and stern movements built an almost paternal character. However, by delivering her lines in an intensely soft manner, she is able to communicate with the audience the Annie truly loves Helen.
The use of props by the cast was also extremely impressive. The sheer number of the props was overwhelming. However, they were able to use them in such a fluid and organic manner, that it almost appeared real. The use of a real dog...let that sink in...was also notable.
Through the committed and inspiring performances given by the actors, as well as the excellence of the myriad of props used, "The Miracle Worker" was a phenomenal success.
by Zach Lilly of Tesoro