St. John’s Drama to Present Powerful Production of The Miracle Worker This July

This summer, the stage at Father Ruehl Hall in Front Royal will come alive with a story of perseverance, compassion, and the triumph of the human spirit. St. John’s Drama is proud to present The Miracle Worker, William Gibson’s Tony Award-winning play about the extraordinary relationship between Helen Keller and her determined teacher, Annie Sullivan.

Performances will run July 25 through 28 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, located at 120 W. Main Street. Showtimes are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Monday evenings, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Set in the late 1800s, The Miracle Worker tells the true story of a young girl locked in a world of silence and darkness after losing her sight and hearing as a toddler. With no means to communicate, Helen Keller becomes increasingly wild and unmanageable. Her family, unsure how to help her, treats her more like a lost cause than a child. That is, until Annie Sullivan arrives.

Armed with only her own difficult past and an unshakable belief in Helen’s potential, Annie must break through to a child who has never experienced language. The play explores their intense and often volatile relationship, built on frustration, resilience, and ultimately, a moment of triumph that has inspired audiences for generations.

The play’s emotional centerpiece—Helen’s first spoken word, “water”—is a moment of theatrical brilliance and personal breakthrough, bringing audiences to their feet since the play’s Broadway debut in 1959.

Directed and performed by members of the local community, the production promises both heart and depth, combining physical intensity with moments of grace and humor. It’s a story that reminds us that even in the darkest silence, the spark of understanding can ignite.

Ticket prices are family-friendly:

• Adults: $8

• Seniors (65+): $5

• Students and children (ages 3 and up): $5

• Families (parents and minor children): $35 for a group ticket

Tickets will be available at the door on the day of each performance. Please note: cash or check only will be accepted.

Whether you’re familiar with Helen Keller’s remarkable legacy or discovering it for the first time, The Miracle Worker offers a moving and memorable experience for all ages.