playbill vip

This year's season of "Miraculous Happenings" includes a focus on Ableism. We are a fully inclusive department and this year no different. However, collectively, the students and I wanted to make a concerted effort to be even more inclusive.

This particular production is an unified theatre show in that we have many students in the cast and crew who would self-identify as differently-abled in some way. Many roles are doubled, although not always because one partner is differently-abled. You will see two actors on stage portraying the character together as if they are one person. This enhancement allows more actors to participate and is more inclusive overall. I'm thrilled students have the opportunity to be on stage, experience this story, and challenge themselves with this approach to the play. Ultimately, the message of the play is for everyone.

William Gibson's The Miracle Worker is an universal story about love, understanding, acceptance, and perseverance. We all experience these emotions, come on hardships we must face, and find a path to success. The various challenges each character faces is based on their own history and relationships, the hardships they faced and how those stories connect.

The Miracle Worker is full of life lessons including how much we expect of ourselves and others, how we treat others, and how our perceptions are not always founded, among others. I knew the characters and their motivations. I researched Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. I even enrolled in an ASL course. I was ready to bring the story and its lessons to life. Now, we share these lessons with you.

Jo Director 

SPECIAL THANKS

• Ms. Zena at Madison HS for lending most of the period specific costumes and emotional support
• Scott Walker at Milwaukie Academy of the Arts and Milwaukie HS for lending all of the platforms, couch, and bed
• Dorinda Toner, Chris Byrne, and Twilight Theater Company for loaning various furniture and additional costumes
• Kate Torcom at Redmond Proficiency Academy for loaning the pump
• Tom Cavanaugh at McNary HS for delivery of said pump
• Gary LaPointe at Spectrum Embroidery for building the working water pump
• Thyra Hartshorn at Portland Playhouse for technical assistance
• Derek Lane at Humboldt State University for finding the chairs, mentoring design, and being there even from afar
• Jodi Walters for helping with marketing and working Front of House, and being a great mom
• Chris Brunelle for your grandfather's authentic rocking chair he made 100 years ago
• Shelley Turley for donating the cast party cake
• Geo Alva for volunteering to help with all odd jobs
• Shamus Lynsky and Ian Favik for Saturday crew work day help, including building the ramps

Thank you St. Johns Ace Hardware!

7825 N Lombard St Portland, OR 97203
Ph: (503) 206-8633  Fax: (971) 279-5900

Store Owner: Mike Johnson