Miracle Worker, A Few Good Men Open on Main Street

The Miracle Worker, presented by the Absolute Theatre Company, opens October 7 and runs through October 17 at the Skyland Performing Arts Center. William Gibson’s play tells the story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, who believes she can reach Helen’s mind, ignoring the world's insistence that an institution is the only option.

The play is suitable for the entire family, according to Kate Brighton with Absolute Theatre Company. Brighton said audiences who see The Miracle Worker can expect a moving theater experience.

“We have a nice intimate space, so the show is happening right there in front of you. You’re not in a big theater sitting away from the action,” she said. “It is a story of inspiration. It is a drama, yet it has plenty of comedy and plenty of tears. It’s the fight and struggle between Helen and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, who brings her out and helps her to communicate with the world.”

The role of Helen Keller is being portrayed by Ellie Bowen, a 7-year-old second-grader at the Mountain Community School. Brighton said she is impressed with Ellie’s acting talent and believes the audience will be as well.

“She is unbelievable. She’s like an 80-year-old woman in a little 7-year-old body,” Brighton said. “She is really intuitive and will really rock you she is so good.”

Taking on the role of Annie Sullivan is Katie Baker, a professional comedian from Asheville known for her work with the sketch comedy group the Feral Chihuahuas. Brighton said Baker is starting to branch out into serious drama.

The Miracle Worker runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm. Sunday matinees start at 3:30pm. You can buy tickets at the Skyland Performing Arts Center box office, located at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Main Street in downtown Hendersonville. You can also call the box office at 828-693-0087 or get your tickets online at www.thespac.org.

Brighton said she has plenty of tickets still available at $15 each.

The Miracle Worker isn’t the only theater experience coming to downtown Hendersonville. Flat Rock Playhouse is performing A Few Good Men just a few blocks away at the Historic Henderson County Courthouse. The play by Aaron Sorkin tells the story of military lawyers at a court-martial who uncover a conspiracy while defending two Marines accused of murder.

A Few Good Men runs Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October 31. For tickets, call 828-693-0731 or visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

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