Better Than Broadway

Occasionally, Better Than Broadway likes to run a promotion or two. About a week ago, we mistakenly posted an entry in the Frisco Online forum that promoted our website. I didn’t mean to violate their terms of service, I was just excited about offering some free theater tickets to Frisco area residents. In any case, our posting was removed and rightly so. Sorry about that Frisco Online!

Anyway, several of the forum members saw our post and replied for a chance for free theater tickets for two. The first free theater ticket winners chose to see The Great Russian Nutcracker at the The Majestic Theatre in Dallas, TX. These tickets were only for sale via TicketMaster. When I bought the tickets via the phone, I had to wait on hold forever. After finally getting through, I had the hardest time explaining to the person that Better Than Broadway was buying the theater tickets for someone else. I finally managed to convince them to arrange this. Then, I asked for my receipt. You would have thought I’d asked for the blue prints for a Boeing 747. They had no idea how to get them to me. In this day and age, you’d think that emailing the receipt for an online theater ticket purchase wouldn’t be that difficult. You’d be wrong. I didn’t get a receipt. I doubt I will. I just hope that the lucky couple that won these tickets actually has something to pick up at Will Call.

As if that wasn’t enough, another couple asked for free tickets to see The Lion King at The Musicall Hall at Fair Park in Dallas, TX. These tickets were also available only through TicketMaster. I called to order them tonight. Wow! What a mess. I waded through their interminable voice response system. “Say the name of the show…” “Say the state the show is in….” On and on and on. Finally, the system deduced that I wanted tickets for The Lion King. Of course, I couldn’t buy the tickets directly via the voice response system because I needed to have them put in someone else’s name. Eventually, I had the option of requesting to speak to a customer service representative.

Successfully waiting the 5 minutes to speak to said agent without getting hung up on would normally be a good thing. In this case, I might have been better off convincing the non-artificially intelligent computer to put the theater tickets in someone else’s name. The representative I got was unprofessional, confused, and utterly inept at ticket sales or phone support. His phone’s microphone kept screeching at me and overriding just about everything we said. The agent kept attempting to get rid of the noise, only to leave me on hold for many long seconds and come back to ask if the noise level were better. It was not. Eventually, we got through to getting two seats reserved and then attempted to purchase them. Again, I explained I needed the theater tickets in someone else’s name. He was lost for words. It was as if no one had ever thought to buy tickets for a different person. Surely this can’t be so uncommon?

Finally, despite my concerns that this really wasn’t TicketMaster I was speaking to (could it be a scam?), I placed the order and was told the tickets would be available at “Alternate Will Call”. When I asked to get a receipt or something emailed to me, I was put on hold again. Apparently, I am the only person that ever requested a receipt from them before. Before my agent ever came back, I got the dreaded “clunk… buzz…” sound of a disconnected call. Great! That call was 34 minutes long.

I had to leave for a while and came back to the phone later in the evening to figure out if my tickets actually got purchased. Again, I went through some interminable voice response prompts and eventually spoke to an agent. Sure enough, my tickets had not been properly reserved for the name of the contest winner. I had to get that taken care of. Amazingly, this call was ONLY 9 minutes.

Again, I am hoping that my theater ticket winners don’t have as much trouble as I did when they try to claim the tickets. I am just amazed that the largest ticket seller in the country has such pathetic service. Surely TicketMaster has been selling theater, concert, et al. tickets long enough to have this down pat. Right? Am I being unreasonable in expecting better service? Let me know what you think.

I just hope that the theatre community at large is not beholden to a single ticket outlet to keep their theatre’s full!

Better Than Broadway - Your Guide to Theater!

Kathryn got a chance to see Over the River and Through the Woods this weekend at The Pocket Sandwich Theatre.  It seems she really liked this show.  Just be prepared for a non-formal setting if you drop in for a visit!

“Over the River and Through the Woods”

By Joe DiPietro
The Pocket Sandwich Theatre is a fun venue; it is a place to go to eat, drink and have all around merriment.  What it isn’t set up for is a play, a real play, comedy, drama, or musical.   Let me clarify that, the audiences who patronize this theatre are not expecting to see a real play; they are expecting “popcorn” and inter-active melodramas.  Do not get me wrong, I love a kooky crazy melodrama.  But, this play is not of that caliber, some of the fellow audience members didn’t know this coming in; and it was not funny.   Now “Over the River and Through the Woods” is funny, very funny; but serious and thought provoking, too.   This is an incredibly literate, honest and so human look at the painfully fun world of family dynamics.  With a script this great only a real disaster could have made this play fail.  No disaster!

I was lucky enough to be seated beside the director when I was shown to my seat; they didn’t know I was there to review the play; and I didn’t know at first she was the director.  When I began to hear her tell the lady on the other side about the furniture on the set on being exactly where it should be; I thought best to interrupt her and introduce myself.  She called me a critic; and I corrected her immediately; I review, I love the theatre, I love plays, I am not here to criticize anyone.  I just want to still be in love with the theatre when I leave.  That is how I start, I walk in and I want to love what you do, I want to think about what I’ve just experienced for the rest of the evening and part of the next day, too.  I am still in love today.  Good show, great script, wonderful acting, good directing, okay set, but it was really just background.  Over all this is a winner, memorable, and really worth the trip.

Shane Beeson, (Nick) the lead character in the quirky growing up is hard to do, its time to leave home kind of story.  He is fantastic, funny, and emotional.  He also carries the story in his face and on his shoulders very well.  The four grandparents are fun, crazy and way over the top; but my grandmother was crazier than all of them so, I gave them a plus for reality.  The only week link was on this night we saw the understudy for the Caitlyn role, the blind date Nick is being set up with; she wasn’t bad, but in this group she would have had to get naked to get attention. But, being a nice PG type play, that wasn’t going to happen, so she was a little out voiced, out presented.
This play runs one more week, go see it, you will love this play; and Shane is outstanding.  Beautifully done, thank you for this great theatrical experience. Oh, yes and I will be back in a couple of weeks to throw popcorn at “Jack the Ripper”.  Can’t wait.

Kathryn Wisdom

Better Than Broadway - Your Guide to Theatre 

Kathryn is out with another theatre review for Better Than Broadway. This time, she critiques “Sweet Charity“, part of the Dallas Summer Musicals.

What is the difference between professional theatre and community theatre?

The appearance and size of the venue, the price of the ticket, how you park your car, and of course maybe an occasional semi-famous actor or two.

I had the privilege of attending the Thursday afternoon matinee of “Sweet Charity” at the Dallas Summer Musicals. The construction around the fair grounds is just terrible; a real deterrent for entertainment; but a boon for the valet parkers; it was about the only way to get into a parking lot. Hope this is corrected before the State Fair opens, but does Dallas really work that fast? Some of it was not the city’s fault; what is it with some people thinking they can drive the wrong way on a one way street, go through red lights, and pull in front of others who are waiting patiently all because they have tickets to the theatre. Dallas is reeking with “me first” attitude these days. So, sad they were going to see a play about a kind, niave, giving young woman; art did not reflect life today.

Enough with the environment and to the real story; the play. This play is one of the standards, familiar and comfortable like old shoes. But with all great musicals the story is as relevant today as it was in 1966. Dallas’ own Paige Davis is good casting as Charity Hope Valentine; she is funny, vibrant and adolescent for a woman of the world. We fall in love with her hope, her dreams and we want her to get her desires; but as in life reality isn’t always so pretty. Ms. Davis’ voice is polished and powerful for the belting songs, and her dance skills are adequate. Guy Adkins portrayal of Oscar Lindquist is physically hysterical; he moves and flops like the best comics; but please work on the singing. Not bad; but not good. The supporting cast is a great ensemble; especially Bridget Berger (Nickie) and Kisha Howard (Helene) as Charity’s co-workers and “friends”.
Hands down the best and most admirable part of the show is the choreography. The dancing at “Club Pompeii” was just out of this world original and stunning. Thanks Mr. Cilento for you choreography. The brass band dance number was also well timed and very enjoyable. The music didn’t really deviate from the original score, but that is nice, sometimes it is nice to know all the songs before you go; and one anticipates the smiles and memories.

Overall it was a nice day at the theatre; a great walk down memory lane and you leave the parking lot humming and not feeling as bad as the storyline might leave you. Because we know “Sweet Charity” never gives up and it just keeps on coming back, just like its main character. Thanks for a job well done, and a really good show.

Kathryn Kay Wisdom

Better Than Broadway - Dallas’ Best Theatre Guide

Kathryn is at it again.  She has another great theatre review on Better Than Broadway about another great performance at Dallas Children’s Theatre.

There isn’t much I can say about this play, other than this is one of the most professional, well written, well performed, well staged plays I have seen in a long time. Certainly not what one expects at local community theater. The ensemble has been touring for six months, in fifty-eight cities, and they performed as fresh as if it were opening night.

The slavery theme can cause one to run the other direction when touched upon in art and theater; but James DaVita has penned a moving and educational script. The musical selection and arrangements by Josh Schmidt and Sheri Panell are the meat of the entire show. The slave spirituals are just stunning and “holy” revealing in themselves. The vocals talents of the Ensemble were so fine tuned I just held my breathe in awe. The lead actors, Rhianna Mack, Octavia Thomas, Cedric Neal, and Rick Spivey, not only portrayed fully developed characters, but their vocals during the musical interludes will stop you in your tracks. Amazing!

I highly recommend this play for all High School and College History Classes and students in general, wanting to learn more about the Underground Railroad. The play gives an honest and real picture of slavery, during a difficult and shameful time in our country. I asked Ms. Mack (Lida) how she prepared herself for this role; she told me they spent some time at the underground rail historical site in Tennessee, she said that was a very moving experience for her.

Ms. Mack is a native Louisianan, and being southern, I am sure she was brought up with the terrible lack of information most of our youth get about the slavery issues in America. But, she handled her role as Lida, with power and truth. This play is about Lida a young slave girl, who has to flee her master for fear of her life, and how she makes her way to the beloved idea of freedom. Freedom is taken for granted so much these days by all of us, this is a fantastic reminder of how beautiful it is and how we can lose it if not protected or doled out equally.

Thank you for an excellent night at the theater.

Kathryn Wisdom

Dallas Children’s Theater
5938 Skillman
Dallas, TX 75231
(214) 978-0110

Better Than Broadway loves to get theatre reviews from the local community. Our veteran reviewer, Kathryn, has written another one for us. She recently attended the Dallas Children’s Theatre’s production of “The Secret Life of Girls“.

Drop all preconceived notions you might have about children’s theatre; especially if you are from out of town. The Dallas area is holding to a high standard for quality children’s theatre, these days. But, I was still hesitant to be going to the Dallas Children’s Theater to see “the Secret Life of Girls”; the idea of perky girls, and giggling is not my idea of art. Then I read the disclaimer about it being for mature audiences and that a discussion would follow. Now, they had my attention.

Sunday’s first matinée was a packed house, and it was hot, literally. The air conditioning system did not seem to be in working order. I am sure two thirds of the audience didn’t notice; young girls do not suffer from the same heat issues as do many of us more mature females. I was worried that between the roar of small voices and the temperature I was about to have less than memorable experience. Then the revelation: the uncomfortable air and the uncomfortable seats were preparing me to unlock an uncomfortable secret that numerous girls, ladies, and women allover the world share, the sisterhood of the wounded.

This shocking and boldly written play is short and to the point. Patiently sit through the first fifteen minutes of the above mentioned perky girl, giggly opening, it gets better, much better. The barren set design and the instant use of technology is a splendid back-drop for this play and declares the atmosphere immediately. As a matter of fact, the screen shots are like having an aside without an actor present. The video game generation will feel right at home on this set.

This is a dual cast; so I cannot say anything about the ones I did not experience for myself. The young ladies performing at the early matinée Sunday know their business and announce vividly that this is their residence. They carry a mature confidence for such young ladies, very admirable. Bravo! Brilliant job ladies.

Enjoy this production for what it is. Remember, reality is right behind you in life and in art. Take every female you know to see this play, then go somewhere and talk. It is a candid, stark, and artistically brutal look at bullying, peer pressure, self-abuse, and finding ones own value. Overall, this is a respectable, deliberate and quality production. Thank you Dallas Children’s Theater and the Rosewood Center for Family Arts for a fine and informative event.

Kathryn

Dallas Children’s Theater
5938 Skillman
Dallas, TX 75231
(214) 978-0110

If you’ve attended a fine arts production lately, we’d be happy to post your review. Please contact us at Better Than Broadway - Contact.

Kathryn has been to see another theatre show recently for “Better Than Broadway”. Well, not so recently actually. We apologize for the delay in getting this posted. We’ve been a bit busy around here recently with the new site launch!

This was my first experience at the Labyrinth Theatre; and what a nice little theatre it is. If only more religious organizations felt so drawn to the arts, and more churches so culturally minded, worship could take on a whole new meaning. Hats off to the Arapaho UMC. The auditorium itself was created in a dome shaped building that was probably once the sanctuary - nice acoustics.

The Last Five Years is a well written script about a couples whose marriage is ending after five years; told forward by one party and backwards by the other. My friend who came with me hated this aspect; but I liked it very much. It isn’t the same old “we dated, got married, messed up, now its over” thing. The direction was basic. Each character was stage left or right and only meet in the middle once. The set was terrible, it left for little movement and it drew the audience’s eye to the third character in the two character play: the orchestra. Especially the bass player/guitar player became part of the show every time she changed instruments. We all watched her with bated breathe when picking that big boy up. She also let us know every time the stage crew was coming out on stage. She watched them at all times. The orchestra was also so loud it was almost impossible to hear Ms. Whalen (Kimberly Whalen, Catherine) sing.

Speaking of Ms. Whalen, she is cute and likable, when one could hear her, but not quit compatible with Mr. Wischhusen (Theo Wischhusen, Jamie). Jamie and Catherine are the couple; they are cute and ready for a wonderful life, but the real world sneaks into their fairy tale. Mr. Wischhusen is a remarkable singer; go see this play just to hear him. He is so comfortable on stage and with the role of Jamie. Jamie isn’t supposed to be all that likable, but with his voice and his presence one cannot help but be charmed by him. We all know it takes two to tango, and cute Catherine (Cathy) gets so gloomy and dispirited, you start rooting for the cad.

The script is performed almost entirely by song, some are outstanding, especially when Jamie sings. “Shiksa Goddess” and “The Schmuel Song” are very catchy and memorable. Catherine sings a melancholy ballad called “Still Hurting”, that seems almost haunting, but the orchestra kept drowning out her voice. What a pity.

Go see this play, it is interesting and different, just ignore the third character that is on stage. Theo Wischhusen, Jamie, is worth
the ticket. There are only two performances left: Saturday March 10 at the matinee and evening. It is one to have coffee afterwards to discuss with your spouse or friend. It is one to talk about.

Kathryn

The Labyrinth Theare

1400 W. Arapaho Rd.

Richardson, TX 75080

The following theatre review was provided by a Calendee user. Kathryn had not been to the theatre in many years and was thrilled at the opportunity to attend this performance.

My return to the theatre was more uneventful than I had hoped but in general very pleasant. The Echo Theatre’s production of “String of Pearls” is a well written and a well performed play. The four actresses Elly Lindsay, Linda K. Leonard, Kristin McCollum, and Lulu Ward portrayed all 27 characters almost flawlessly. Even though it was announced at the beginning that one of the actresses was ill and was loosing her voice it didn’t change anything; we would have just assumed that the raspy voice was hers. It seemed to fit Ms. Lindsay’s main character Beth to a tee. This is an open and modern look at mothers, daughters, and their complicated relationships over generations. Even though it leans heavy to the feminine, the men in the audience seemed to enjoy the nuances as much as the women. The play is for mature audiences due to language and some lively sexual discussion. But overall it was an exceptionally entertaining experience. The seating arrangement of the theatre and music had the audience all in a buzz; all that was missing was a glass of wine. Good to back in the theatre again. Nice show Ladies!

Kathryn Wisdom

The following review was provided by a Calendee user who is now a local theatre fan :

On Valentine’s evening I had the opportunity to go to a wonderful musical that took me back a few years, as well as intelligently staged playful banter among modern singers. It could happen at no other place than the Repertory Company Theatre in Richardson. It was an eclectic spin on the original show that aired back in the late 60’s, early 70’s “The Dating Game”, later with Chuck Woolery hosting in the 90’s. Typically, a bachelorette would question three bachelors, who were hidden from her view; at the end of the questioning period, she would choose one to go out with on a date paid for by the show. Occasionally, the roles would be reversed with a man questioning three ladies, which was the case for this musical; other times, a celebrity would question three players for a date for themselves, a co-worker or a relative of theirs. Many celebrities played the game looking for love themselves. Oh!…and this show was definitely not lacking celebrities. At times, the wide array of impersonations included Kenny Rogers, as the bachelor, Britney Spears and Whitney Houston as the bachelorettes…who fought the entire time…what humor!…I found myself tearing up while laughing so hard. I even learned that Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz were broken up (a bit of information that I would have never known)…which proves they definitely include the latest headlines in on the eclectic musical twist. They are so creative!!! Talk about interactive!…They even chose an audience member in the second half of the show to be a bachelorette as one of Kenny Rogers’ choices…who he actually ended up choosing!!

I, along with others in the audience found ourselves singing along to the music featured in the show…including my French friend who accompanied me during his first week to ever visit the US. It was such a fun and a surprisingly interactive musical experience. Who said musicals couldn’t be on such a personal level? The singing is spectacular! I marveled at the voices on the stage…such untapped talent, I thought, to not have a larger audience. Even the host sang to several audience members around the room…yes, including me…and in between the words told me how great my smile was. How nice! The first half of the show eased into the jest of the musical with the bachelor being a typical college guy from UT who was into sports with the ladies being a range of humorous females including a pregnant woman!…who, yes, won the bachelor over by answering questions correctly. She happened to be a revealed as a school teacher as well. The other two were flaky women who’s professions were revealed to be a provocative dancer and the other had no job…as she was just too ditsy…you could imagine the answers we heard to the bachelors questions. So funny!

I learned that this was their new facility…very cozy and quaint, yet so extremely professional. It was so nice to have an actual table to sit at with choices of a few complimentary desserts by a local baker and cake specialist in Richardson called “The Cake Lady”. They also provided complimentary drinks ranging from soft drinks to champagne served right to you at your table. The ambiance was perfect and such a personal show. I later learned that Repertory Company Theatre is a non profit, professional theatre serving the North Dallas, Richardson, Plano area for twenty years. Each season RCT presents Broadway Musicals, Classic Plays and Special Presentations performed by acclaimed REP Company of actors. They audition for the company every Janurary…so you know that they are particular and hand selected. Shows are primarily performed at RCT’s Promenade Theatre, a 8,200 SF complex which includes a 150 seat theatre, black box performance hall, multipurpose/dance hall, coffee shop/lobby, and box office. Each season Repertory Company Theatre presents the best in local theatre. In fact, Dallas Morning News Voted Repertory Company Theatre …best theatre venue in Richardson.

I have to say that the talent was really something I was impressed with…the company worked so well together and were professionals with both the acting and especially the singing. Believe me when I say I do know quality theatre and have been to several musicals and an opera in Fair Park. Needless to say, the show was very entertaining to the entire audience regardless of age or nationality! It was that sort of feeling that you get when you see “Grease” and can watch it over and over. Theatre is such a wide range of meaning…and this sure met the definition and beyond. Even during the small intermission, I found myself looking for what the next shows and dates were. Great bang for your buck! I can’t wait until my next experience at the Richardson Repertory Company Theatre. I saw that they even have “The Miracle Worker” coming up…I can’t believe I have a such a professional theatre practically in my back yard without driving to Fair Park every time. And I know that I am guaranteed a close seat at this theatre! I will not be waiting for a special occasion to go back.

Stacy Vincent

This weekend, we gave our oldest son Kieran (3) a real treat. We told him we were going to the theater. “Oooh! The movies!” We tried to explain this was not the movies. It was a “special theater”. We didn’t tell him much more than that. As we drove to Dallas Children’s Theater, he kept talking about the movies. When we arrived, we were quickly greeted by Lisa Schreiner, the Public Relations Manager for Dallas Children’s Theater. Ms. Schreiner assured us that our son would love the show. She was certainly correct.

“The Carnival of the Animals” is a puppet show based on the music of Camille Saint-Saens, produced and presented by the Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts. They use several puppetry techniques including rod, humanette, shadow, and body. The main method used in “Carnival of the Animals” is rod puppetry in a “black theater”. This means the theater stage is completely covered in black cloth. The puppeteers are dressed from head to feet in black as well. The rod puppets are then illuminated by overhead lights. This creates a drastic and stand-0ut effect that really showcases the puppets. Because the stage itself is completely dark and the puppeteers can barely see, they have a highly rehearsed and choreographed act that goes off flawlessly.

The show starts with a puppet of the composer asking one of the puppeteers for directions to the theater . At first, our son didn’t seem too excited about all this. He was more interested in sitting next to and talking to his little friend that joined us for the show. However, he quickly gained interest when the puppet composer started explaining his music and the instruments used in it. Each instrument “puppet” was shown on stage and a sample of its music played. Our son was a little bit in awe at first and didn’t quite know what to make of these.

The first major act of the show was The Lion. This featured a 3 part lion (head, tail, legs) that popped up onto the stage. At this point, Kieran was very alert. The music in the background made the lion appear to roar. Next, Cocks and Hens came on. This was a funny little skit of a hen trying to lay an egg while the hopefully proud rooster waited impatiently. The music kept getting more and more intense. I was watching Kieran as much as I watched the show. His eyes were wide with excitement and mirth as he watched the antics. He was really enjoying the show now. At the end of that act, the audience clapped wildly. Kieran got into the excitement and started clapping as well, something he has not been very interested in doing before. As the lion disappeared from the stage, he waited intently for the next act. All thoughts of talking and chatting with his friend were lost. The show progressed with a huge elephant made by a multi-person body puppet, some can-can dancers, an ocean of fish, a pesky little bird that annoyed the composer, and a sleep depriving piano practice that caused the puppet composer a long, restless night.

Needless to say, the show was very entertaining to the entire audience regardless of age. However, I’m sure the young children found this to be the most magical of experiences. During the entire show, I could hear the gasps and giggles of surprised and joyful little kids in the background. Our son was in rapt attention throughout the show. There is no doubt that he is now looking more forward to his next trip to the “special theater” more than to a trip to “the movies”.

This weekend, my wife and I had the opportunity to attend a production of “The Miracle Worker” at Dallas Children’s Theater’s Rosewood Center for Family Arts. The Rosewood Center is located at 5938 Skillman Drive in Dallas, TX. We had lived near this theater several years ago and never knew it existed. When we arrived we were in for quite a surprise. If we’d known such a wonderful theater was just a short distance from us, we definitely would have come here sooner.

This is why we started Calendee in the first place. The DFW area has an extensive theater and entertainment network that so few people know about. I’m sure there are thousands or hundreds of thousands of DFW residents that are unaware a great theater is just minutes away from them. Calendee can help everyone find something to do near them.

The Center consists of 58,000 square feet of theater and class room space. This venue is very well kept, clean, and welcoming. While in the lobby, we wandered around and read about all the sponsor information, looked at the list of upcoming productions, and just chatted while we waited to take our seats. The entire complex is devoted to childrens theater and artistic education. Rosewood Center hosts theater classes for children of all age groups. Usually, the children participate in a performance at the end of their classes. In addition to educating children, DCT also trains the trainer. They have teacher workshops to help educators expand their knowledge about the performing arts to be used in their own classrooms.

“The Miracle Worker” was put on in the Baker Theater section of the Rosewood Center. This theater seats 400 people in a stadium seating format. The Center also has the Studio Theater which seats 160. Initially, we had really great seats about mid-stage and near the top of the flight of steps. However, we offered our seats to two young girls that wanted to sit next to some friends. When we made this offer, there appeared to be plenty of seats just a little further away. By the time we made it to that area, they were taken. So, we ended up at the far right of the seating near the top. At first I was dismayed that we might not have as good a view of the show. If you attend a show here, please be warned. The theater is very popular and fills up fast. If you want your entire group to sit together, you need to arrive early!

Fortunately, our new seats turned out just fine. The theater is well designed without any obstructions blocking the stage. Despite the fact that the actors did not use any microphones or headsets, we were able to hear them perfectly throughout most of the production. Our only difficulty was when young children were finding the antics of Helen Keller a bit funny. However, this was not unpleasant and was interesting for us to see how younger children interpreted the events on stage differently than the adults did.

“The Miracle Worker” is a play about the early life of Helen Keller. She was born apparently “normal” in the late 1800’s. However, after a bout of illness as an infant, her parents discovered her to be blind, deaf, and virtually mute. For 6 years, they raised her with little discipline and loads of pity. Over the years, her parents tried all kinds of miracle cures and visited countless “quacks” in an effort to make her normal again. Nothing worked and Helen quickly spiraled into a tantrum throwing, spoiled, little girl. In one last desperate attempt to get control of Helen, they sought help from the Perkins Institute for the Blind. This is where the play begins.

The Perkins Institute sent Annie Sullivan to aid the Kellers. Annie (played by Trisha Miller Smith) was a recent graduate of the institute. At the ripe old age of 20, she arrived in Alabama to help with Helen (played by Pam Covington). The Kellers were expecting someone older and more experienced to help with their daughter. Instead, they got a young woman, just graduated, and with some emotional trauma of her own to help “cure” their daughter.

Of course, Ms. Sullivan knew there was no cure for this problem. Her only hope in teaching Helen was in hard work and discipline. She had to first stop the pattern of pity and tantrums that Helen and her family had fallen into. This was no easy task as Helen was prone to burst into berserk fits of kicking, clawing, and screaming at every disciplinary effort of Ms. Sullivan. Eventually, Ms. Sullivan convinced the Kellers that Helen had to be separated from them in order for her to make any headway in educating her.

At this point in the play, it was time for an intermission. We left the theater with the rest of the crowd. Everyone enjoyed drinks and snacks from the concession stand. After just a few minutes, it was announced that there were only 5 minutes left until the second half of the play. We were pleased that the intermission wasn’t a long, dragged out affair as they often are. Considering the young audience members, it was best to keep this as short as possible. Unfortunately, this did not leave much time for those needing the facitilies. With 400 people in attendance, the restrooms did not seem quite big enough to handle the crowds in so short a time.

The second act of the play was about Annie and Helen’s life away from the rest of the Keller family. In reality, they were just a short walk from the family mansion. However, Helen believed herself to be abandoned by her family and completely under the control of Ms. Sullivan. Under this environment, she learned proper table manners, signing of dozens of words, and how to behave and act more “normally”. Unfortunately, the two weeks allowed to Ms. Sullivan to get control of Helen was simply to short. Helen had not yet learned the meaning of all the words she was learning to sign. She could not associate them with any actual objects or concepts.

Back at the Keller mansion, Helen reverted back to her patterns of old. She was testing her parents resolve again. She was quick to discover that they were still willing to pity and spoil her. In the deuzy of a battle with Ms. Sullivan that ensued, Helen had a breakthrough and began to sign frantically. She had finally made the connection between the words she was signing and the meaning behind them. At this point, the play ended. The rest of Helen Keller’s life is literally history. The actors and actresses from the play were welcomed to resounding applause and a standing ovation. The had really put on an excellent show.

After seeing “The Miracle Worker”, it is no surprise that Time magazine voted Dallas Children’s Theater’s one of the “Top Five Theaters in the U.S. for Family Audiences” in 2004. Dallas Children’s Theater’s Rosewood Center for Family Arts is a great theater and “The Miracle Worker” was an excellent production. Trisha Miller Smith and Pam Covington (one of the two young Helen Keller actresses in this production) were excellent. Ms. Smith portrayed the young disciplinarian very well. She was very believable as a stern but compassionate teacher. Ms. Covington did an incredible job of portraying the deaf and bling young Helen Keller. She never made the mistake of appearing sighted and could kick, push, and scream with the best worst of today’s spoiled kids. Bravo!

We really look forward to more performances at Dallas Children’s Theater’s. They will be putting on “The Carnival of Animals” starting in February. We hope to see it with our soon this time.