Girls Rehearse for Big Fight on Middle PAC Stage

COURT HOUSE – Students Chelsea Morrissey and Alyssa Sullivan are the best of friends in the usual course of their lives in and out of Middle Township High School. The exception these days is Monday through Thursday afternoons when for ten minutes they have to physically fight each other. Morrisey and Sullivan are rehearsing the lead roles of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan in the upcoming production of “The Miracle Worker” by the Middle Township High School’s Parkway Players. Keller is portrayed as the deaf, blind and speechless “wild girl” whom her teacher Annie Sullivan, played by namesake Alyssa Sullivan, tries to bring out of the cocoon-like world in which she lives.
The script by William Gibson calls for what theater historians say is the most violent fight scene ever written for the American stage. Although rehearsals have still a few weeks to go, both actresses already have badges of honor, sustaining bruises on their shoulders and legs from their realistic enactments.
The play won Tony and other awards when it first appeared on Broadway in 1959 with Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft in the co-starring roles. The current production is directed by Elizabeth Volpe who teaches English, theater and TV broadcasting at Middle Township High School. “This is a very challenging play for professionals and students to perform, but I’m pleased to report that we have an excellent cast that is meeting the challenge,” said Volpe.
Others in the cast include Robert Cline, Anika Buchanan, Conner Wynn, Julianne Stonecipher, Dakota Montanez, Noah Barrett, Megan Rusco, Jenn Williams, Kathleen Prickett, Paige Grady, Jon Stites, Marshall Brown and Emily Wannen. Student assistants are Colin Milio and David Cline.
“The Miracle Worker” will be presented at The Performing Arts Center on Friday, November 15 at 7pm and Saturday, November 16 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens. Call 463-1924 for tickets. The PAC is situated at 212 Bayberry Drive, Cape May Court House, one-mile east of Exit 10 of the Garden State Parkway. There is free parking.