'Miracle Worker' captures poignant tale of Helen Keller

Annie Sullivan (Samantha Pannier) and her student, blind and mute Helen Keller (Julianne Trovato) as they prepare for a entertaining and poignant "Miracle Worker" at ROH. (Bain Testa photo)

The Tony Award winning play "The Miracle Worker" is set to open on March 31 at Rochester Opera House. The Miracle Worker is a three-act play by William Gibson and is based on Helen Keller's autobiography "The Story of My Life".

Directed by Michael Walsh, this profoundly moving and unforgettable classic tells the story of Annie Sullivan (Samantha Pannier) and her student, blind and mute Helen Keller (Julianne Trovato/Sofia Rose Testa).

The Miracle Worker dramatizes the volatile relationship between the lonely teacher and her charge. Trapped in a secret, silent world, unable to communicate, Helen is violent, spoiled, almost subhuman and treated by her family as such. Only Annie realizes that there is a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued from the dark, tortured silence. With scenes of intense physical and emotional dynamism, Annie's success with Helen finally comes with the utterance of a single, glorious word: "Water".

Evening and matinee performances run on select days from March 31 to April 10 with morning school-age performances on April 7 & 8 at 10 a.m.

Reserve tickets at RochesterOperaHouse.com or call/stop by the box office (603) 335-1992, M/W/F from 10am to 5pm and two hours before the show. Doors generally open one hour prior to the show start. Cash bar, under age 18 must be accompanied by legal guardian. This show is sponsored by TD Bank, Eastern Propane & Oil, Shaheen & Gordan, PA, Norm Vetter, Inc., Seacoast Media Group, and Hervey's Tire Company. Rochester Opera House is located in City Hall, 31 Wakefield Street, Rochester, NH. The season continues with Hooking Up with The Second City April 1, The Hit Men on April 15, and the Annual Lottery Cocktail Party April 22.

Tickets: $16 General Admission / $14 Students & Seniors