KELLER `MIRACLE' WORKS MAGIC.

Byline: Victoria Giraud Special to the Daily News

Bring your tissues to ``The Miracle Worker,'' now playing at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. It's a powerful, emotionally affecting work that's bound to bring tears.

The play tells the heartwarming true story of the young blind and deaf Helen Keller and her dedicated teacher, Annie Sullivan, who bravely broke into Helen's dark and silent world to bring Helen a way to communicate.

Christine Zirbel's eloquent portrayal of the dynamic Annie Sullivan is magnificent, matched only by the wordless but inspired rendering of Helen Keller by the young Erin Cariker. Both actors brought incredible energy and honesty to their roles.

Annie Sullivan steps into a challenging world when she journeys from Boston to her first job, teaching the 6-year-old Helen. Her age and experience are immediately questioned by a family that has sought her out as a last resort for the intractable, impossibly spoiled Helen.

The autocratic father, Captain Keller, in a strong yet warm portrayal by Arne Markussen, is a Southern gentleman and cousin of Robert E. Lee. Mother Kate, in a heartfelt performance by Leslie Nichols, bows to her husband's wishes in most things but is not willing to give up hope that Helen can make something of herself.

Not knowing how best to handle Helen, the entire family, which includes brother James (credibly rendered by Jared Willis), and Aunt Ev (well-played by the likable Dot Scott), indulges her. As Kate says, ``How do you discipline an afflicted child?''

The outspoken Annie is willing to try her best, but that will mean, she tells the family, that she must have total control over Helen. Annie's firm but loving and concentrated teaching finally accomplishes the breakthrough this very intelligent, frustrated child needs in a highly touching scene.

Others in this talented cast include: Alex Lastort as Sarah, Brianna Owens as Laura, Joseph Owens as Percy, Katie Pawlick as Martha, Jennifer Robin Skutley as Beatrice and Betty Taffert as Viney. Jennifer Cariker does the voice of Jimmy Sullivan, and Jeff G. Rack does the voice of the doctor.

Kudos for the great direction of Gerald Castillo, and Jeff G. Rack's set design.

THE FACTS WHAT: ``The Miracle Worker'' by William Gibson.

WHEN: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. through June 3.

WHERE: Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley.

COST: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, $8 children 12 and under.

INFORMATION: [phone].