Drama is painful for young actresses
The Young Artists Repertory Theatre Company Inc. will present William Gibson's popular drama The Miracle Worker at Augusta Preparatory School Thursday through Saturday.
The Young Artists Repertory Theatre Company Inc. will present William Gibson's The Miracle Worker at Augusta Preparatory School from Thursday through Saturday. Anna Jones (left), 9, plays Helen Keller, and Amanda Scherer, 17, plays Annie Sullivan. It will be both actresses' first stage roles. The play will be put on Thursday through Saturday in the Goodwin Commons at Augusta Preparatory School.
Photo by Lynn Davidson
The drama tells of the true story of Helen Keller, a deaf and blind girl born in the 1800s who became a role model by overcoming her handicaps under the tutelage of Annie Sullivan. Sullivan's success with Helen comes after some turbulent and emotion-packed scenes, which are brought to life on the stage by cast members Anna Jones and Amanda Scherer.
Anna, 9, and Amanda, 17, have differing opinions about the violent scenes. For Anna, who plays Helen Keller, the scenes are exciting and fun.
"The hardest part is being hit in the face at the dinner scene. It hurts. But the most fun is hitting her back," Anna said.
For Amanda, who plays Anne Sullivan, the fighting scenes are painful.
"I come away from rehearsal with bruises, and tonight I think I broke my toe when a bench got thrown on my foot," Amanda said.
Anna had no lines to memorize, as her character is mute, but she said it was difficult to learn the many movements required to accurately portray the character. It will be Anna's first role on the stage.
"It's her first time, but she's been practicing for a long time. Ever since she could talk, she's been pretending and acting things out," said Marsha Jones, Anna's mother.
Jones said Anna heard about the drama at school, and asked her mother whether she could audition for the part.
Amanda also is new to the stage. She said she is usually a set designer, but this time she accompanied a friend to the auditions and came away with the leading role.
"It is truly amazing. You would never know it's their first time," producer John Greene said.
"Amanda continually astounds me; she is naturally talented and intense. And Anna is only 9, yet she takes direction immediately. She's very talented, also."
Both Amanda and Anna play hot-tempered and strong-willed characters. The 12 other characters in the play balance the mood with humor or gentleness. Kimberly James, who plays Kate Keller, is learning to be gentle.
"I'm too contemporary for my part. I'm a modern person. I have to really act to be a genteel southern belle," Kimberly said.
The show will be at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday in the Goodwin Commons at Augusta Preparatory School, 285 Flowing Wells Road, Martinez.
Tickets will be sold at the door and will cost $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. For more information, call 210-8915.