The story of Helen Keller's triumph over incredibly difficult disabilities is an inspiration to all who have read the book or seen the play as well as to the cast and crew at Wootton High School.

Cast as "Nightmare Annie" Sullivan in Helen's dream, Betsy Horowitz understands some of Helen's frustration with communication because she is deaf — the only deaf student attending Wootton High School. The play features ASL students who sign as a part of the performance. It will also include a pre-show ASL workshop to introduce the audience to ASL.

"The Miracle Worker" will be presented Nov. 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas S. Wootton High School auditorium, 2100 Wootton Pkwy, Rockville. The Pre-Show American Sign Language workshop will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19.

"The Miracle Worker" tells the classic story of Helen Keller, the deaf, blind and mute girl who learns to communicate because of the relentless tenacity of her teacher Annie Sullivan. "The story has an amazing climax that appeals to large audiences and offers acting and technical challenges that meet the abilities of the incredible students at Wootton," said drama teacher Jessica Speck. Speck, the director of the play, is excited that Wootton's ASL teacher, Leah Blizzard is collaborating with her to bring ASL into the show. Wootton is one of only four Montgomery County public high schools offering ASL as a part of the curriculum.

"It is my hope that the performance will celebrate diversity and challenge the audience to remember that people with special needs are people first and deserve to be treated and challenged accordingly," Speck said.

Horowitz is pleased to be performing in the play. She uses an interpreter during the performances to help her with cues, as well as for interpreting Speck's direction and feedback. One of her biggest challenges is timing. "It's difficult knowing when it's time to sign my line." She uses exaggerated signing and facial expressions to show her anger, sadness and fear.

Horowitz said she is fortunate that Wootton is her home school, since ASL is offered as a part of the curriculum: "I know most of the students who take ASL classes. Several of them are in the show and they 'get it.' Since they learn about deaf history and deaf culture in their ASL classes, they tend to be more sensitive."

The leads in the play are Julia Wainger as Helen, Corrieanne Stein as Annie Sullivan, Horowitz as "Nightmare Annie," Bryan Fitzpatrick as Captain Keller, Lauren Goldberger as Kate Keller and Wyatt Oring as James Keller, Helen's older brother. Sue Thorpe is the producer, Stephanie Daisley the technical director, Kenny Jacobs, the technical consultant, and students Victoria Pierce, Nick Hatcher and Cody O'Donnell are the stage manager, lighting designer and technical manager.

Freshman Wyatt Oring is enjoying performing in the play: "It has made me more aware of problems that people face and how they handle them. Being deaf demands a whole way of living and community I had not ever thought about."

Bryan Fitzpatrick said, "I am fascinated with how people respond to adversity. I've know Betsy for a few years — and I am really impressed by her. This play has made me a more compassionate person."