‘Miracle Worker’: Satisfying, but Not Overly Sweet : The South Orange County Community Theatre performs the sentimental favorite with minimal mawkishness. Sara Buskirk is convincing as Helen.

Everybody goes for a tale of triumph, and “The Miracle Worker” is certainly that.

William Gibson’s play about Helen Keller and her never-say-die teacher, Annie Sullivan, is about as upbeat as things on stages get. Curmudgeons may blanch at its sentimentality and melodrama, but this popular drama never can be accused of taking a cynical path.

For its second production in its new home--a 120-seat, reconverted telephone building in the downtown area--the South Orange County Community Theatre has revived “The Miracle Worker” in satisfying ways. Under Sandy Silver’s direction, over-baked and mawkish moments are few, and the story comes across clearly.

Keller, who was blind and deaf from early childhood, went on to become a spokeswoman for the disabled, but her fate may well have been different had it not been for Sullivan, a true believer in beating the odds.

Sullivan entered a household that had all but given up on Keller and turned the girl’s life around. The play’s breakthrough moment comes when Keller finally begins to understand the sign language Sullivan has been trying so fervently to teach her.

As Helen, Sara Buskirk exhibits remarkable concentration, especially for someone so young. She has to convey emotions through gesture and movement only; she does so tirelessly and convincingly.

Buskirk works well with Michele Tafoya, who plays Sullivan. Tafoya gives Helen’s indefatigable teacher the requisite spunk and sense of commitment. Sullivan herself is near-blind and understands what it’s like to have a disability, and Tafoya conveys that quality.

‘The Miracle Worker’

A South Orange County Community Theatre production of a play by William Gibson. Directed by Sandy Silver. With Sara Buskirk, Michele Tafoya, Ed Matovich, Karan Thies, Doug Hartman, Jessica Holley, David Norwood, Tricia Jordan, Jon Taylor Carter, Malcolm Silver, Kelly Javens, Ashley Powell, Daniel Du Hadway and Maggie Manville. Set by Guy L’Esperance. Lighting by Doug Hartman. Costumes by Diane Green. Through Saturday at 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. Tickets: $10. (714) 489-8082.