Season ends with powerful message

CASEY RESSLER

Frontiersman Valley Life editor

Valley Performing Arts may just be saving the best for last, as the final production of the year has a longtime director genuinely excited.

Grant Olson, who is directing "The Miracle Worker," has performed or directed in more than 50 VPA productions. When he says that this is one of the best productions he has been associated with, it means something.

"Cast-wise, I think it is the best production," he said. "Every person certainly fits the roles they are playing. I think it's the best young talent I've worked with."

"The Miracle Worker" will tug at your heartstrings - it is the classic "it'll make you laugh, make you cry" production. It details the life of Helen Keller, and a teacher named Annie Sullivan, who helps Helen discover an entire world, despite being blind and deaf.

Veteran VPA actor Hillarie Putnam plays Sullivan, while Rachel Kennedy plays Helen Keller. Olson said both girls have stepped right into their roles.

"Rachel is a seventh-grader, and she has shown the incredible maturity that role demands," Olson said. "She's giving a stunning performance. And Hillarie has vast experiences, especially for being 16."

The storyline is intense, and the entire cast has risen to meet the challenge.

"The costumes are amazing, the acting is amazing, the direction is amazing," said Tiffany Horvath, a VPA volunteer.

As an added bonus, the audience is being treated to the production's original theatrical score. VPA contacted Laurence Rosenthal, who composed the score for the movie, and he sent the score with his blessing. In addition to the score, Olson said there are other things that make the production value of "The Miracle Worker' extremely high."

"We have 116 light cues, and 60-something sound cues, which is unheard of," Olson said. "All are putting on strong performances."

"The Miracle Worker" opens tonight and runs through May 22, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays at Machetanz Theatre in Wasilla. Tickets may be purchased at the VPA box office, or at all CARRS TIX locations.