Forestburgh production of ‘The Miracle Worker' comes to Tri-Valley

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY—The Forestburgh Playhouse will present William Gibson’s “The Miracle Worker,” for six performances only in the theatre at the Tri-Valley Central School from Thursday, October 23 through Sunday, October 26. The production will be a co-production with a new not-for-profit entity, the Forestburgh Theatre Arts Center, recently incorporated by current Forestburgh Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Richard Amelius for the purpose of presenting educational experiences in professional theatre to elementary and secondary school students. Tri-Valley Central School Director of Music Lori Orestaino-James is an additional co-producer, and in this capacity is coordinating the educational and academic aspects of the production.

“The Miracle Worker” is based on the true story of Helen Keller, left totally deaf and blind as an infant after a bout of meningitis. The play chronicles a pivotal point in Helen Keller’s journey toward the freedom she will enjoy once she attains the capacity to communicate with others and live a fully functional life. The process is set in motion by the arrival of her teacher, Annie Sullivan.

Forestburgh Playhouse alumna Caitlin Burke will head the cast, playing the charismatic teacher Annie Sullivan, whose determination and empathy help free Helen Keller from the prison of her severe handicaps. An experienced actress with many Off-Broadway roles on her resume, Caitlin appeared at the Playhouse this past summer in both “The King and I” and “M. Butterfly.” Quincy Confoy, a resident of Bethel and Bronxville, will play Helen Keller, the deaf and blind child who grows up to be one of the most inspiring women of the 20th century. A fourth grader with a number of Off-Broadway and film roles already to her credit, she has appeared at the Playhouse every year since 2004. They will be joined on stage by Playhouse associate artistic director Richard Amelius as Helen’s brother, James. Since the Forestburgh Theatre Arts Center hopes to be community-based whenever possible, local actors and actresses will portray the other characters in this very large cast.

“The Miracle Worker” will be presented for in-school student audiences at 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Thursday, October 23, and at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24. Public performances will be on Friday and Saturday, October 24 and 25, at 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, October 26 at 3:00 p.m. Although admission is free, reservations are suggested.

For more information visit FBplayhouse.com or call 845/794-1194.