NAPPANEE — It’s a true story. It’s one that will tug at your heartstrings.

“The Miracle Worker” is on stage at Amish Acre’s Round Barn Theatre in Nappanee. It’s the story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Ann Sullivan, and the miracle that came about because of Sullivan’s work with the young blind, deaf girl.

One of the first things I learned when I became a Lion was the story of Helen Keller and her speech at the 1925 international convention. There she challenged the Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.” Many of today’s Lions’ programs are based on that challenge. As an adult, Helen Adams Keller with her companion Johanna Mansfield Sullivan Macy influenced many.

Helen was born in 1880 and died in 1968. She lost both her sight and hearing when she was 1½ years old because of an illness. In her own words, she became “a wild and unruly child.”

The play opens as the doctor is leaving and Kate Keller discovers her baby cannot see or hear. The production moves forward to 1887 as the Kellers discuss another chance for 7-year-old Helen. The Perkins Institution for the Blind in Boston, Mass., is contacted and Dr. Anagnos decides to send Annie to work with Helen.

After her arrival in Tuscumbia, Ala., Annie realizes Helen is a challenge.

The problems between Helen, Annie and Helen’s parents, who allow her to do anything she wants because it’s easier for them, take the spotlight. During meals Helen goes from person to person, taking food from their plates with her hands and stuffing it in her mouth. Imagine the delight when Annie gets her to sit in a chair and eat with a fork.

As problems develop the Kellers finally decide to allow Annie and Helen to be alone for two weeks. Annie puts all her efforts into Helen but at the end of the two weeks, she feels defeated. However, Annie did succeed and Helen speaks for the first time in her life.

Hannah Shetler is the young Helen Keller. Shetler is a sophomore at Fairfield High School. Her expressions and actions prove even at her young age, she is a very talented actress.

Abby Muray-Vachon is Ann Sullivan and she is magnificent. The audience is quick to notice Muray-Vachon puts her heart and soul into her character.

Revel Ferris-Curtis is Helen’s younger sister, Mildred. The youngster is only a few weeks old and captures the hearts of the audience. Her parents, Tucker Curtis and Heidi Ferris are cast as Kate and Arthur Keller, Helen and Mildred’s parents. Curtis and Ferris are to be commended for the job they do as the frustrated parents who find it hard to deal with Helen and Annie.

The other cast members, too, are great: Don Hart is Dr. Anagnos. Quin Rattan is Helen’s older half-brother, James. Myesha-Tiara Garner is Viney and brother and sister, Brooklyn and Charles Redd, are her children, Martha and Percy. Rita Kurts is Aunt Ev. And, Amelia Lowry, is Beatrice, a student at Perkins Institute for the Blind.

“The Miracle Worker” runs through Sunday, Nov. 6. Go see it. You will be glad you did.

For more information or tickets call (800) 800-4942 or go online at amishacres.com.