Miracles? Maybe. Talent? Definitely.

A super cast at Butler Little Theatre told the tale of Helen Keller with great emotion and fabulous acting for a preview audience that was wowed on Wednesday.

Olivia Drohan, a sixth grader at Emily Brittain Elementary School, turned in an amazing performance of the blind, deaf, mute Keller. She was so believable and so in character at not focusing her eyes, I was fearful of her stepping off the stage a few times. Her tantrums and physical aggression were well played.

For not having a single sentence in the play, she said way more than you can imagine with her performance.

Her teacher, Annie Sullivan, was played quite capably by Emma Neely, who brought out the Irish temper of Sullivan and the sarcastic wit that Sullivan was known for. Her chemistry of compassion with Kate Keller and that of locking horns with Captain Keller, were quite realistic.

Neely seemed quite comfortable in her role and rode the emotional tides of Sullivan with ease.

Samantha Drohan played Keller's mother and is Olivia's real life mother. Like mother, like daughter apparently, because Drohan's performance was as splendid as her daughter's.

Her desperate concern for her child was compelling and several of her scenes quite moving. Drohan had the southern belle down quite well and one might find it hard to believe that she doesn't have that southern accent in real life.

Her husband, The Captain, was portrayed by Harley Allen, who nailed both the gentility but also the stubbornness of the southern male. He stayed in character complete with accent throughout the play.

Several of his scenes with Kate and his son were rather convincing. The audience could sense his frustration quite easily.

The son, James, was performed by Jeffery Parker, who will be pursuing theater at Pittsburgh University. That is a good choice for the fine looking and talented actor.

His caustic wit was more than adequately conveyed. It was a difficult role that requires much nonverbal response to situations unfolding on stage as well as spirited dialogue.

Commendable supporting roles rounded out a production that was extremely well cast. Directed by Robert Snodgrass and produced by Sue Switzer, the shows high points were hit and the low ones felt.

Done in three acts, the show runs for two hours, yet I can say I never looked at my watch during the entire production.

The set was a miracle in itself. Remarkable set design maximized the limited space of the BLT stage. At one point there were four or five different settings on the one stage, but it never was cramped.

A creative addition of a loft and two aprons spread wide the stage for the sprawling sets so the blocking seemed natural.

"The Miracle Worker" is the true story of Annie Sullivan and her student, blind and nonspeaking Helen Keller. Helen is trapped in her secret silent world and acts violent and spoiled and treats those around her quite poorly.

Only Annie realizes that there is a healthy mind and spirit waiting to be rescued and shaped. It is an extraordinary story for the entire family that conveys true potential is limitless.