The Miracle Worker Returns To Broadway

By Christopher Moore, Broadway Magazine

"I really worked hard to get a cast of people that were very honest, and could be very simple in their acting. So these very delicate moments that are being built in the round...The furthest seat back is eight seats away….what we're really wanting is actors who can really feel like they are living human beings and not on a performative proscenium stage," says Kate Whorisky, the director of the new revival of The Miracle Worker which is soon to open on Broadway.

While audiences may be familiar with the story and the subject matter, the actors and director are focused on telling the story in a way that is both truthful and relevant. The creative team and stars took time to talk with Broadway.tv and Broadway Magazine at a recent press event.

Broadway Show: The Miracle Worker

"You can expect a play in the round that is not the 50's melodrama that I think a lot of people picture when they think of 'The Miracle Worker.' It is a really intense, dark, character-driven play, that is also funny and inspiring; and a story that I think deserves to be told again," asserts the accomplished stage actress Alison Pill.

"I think that she's such an incredible person, because she really shows that nothing is impossible. She had her teacher, Ann Sullivan, and her whole family. It's about a family in crisis and how they pull through it," reflects the celebrated star Abigail Breslin on playing Helen Keller and the play.

"The issues the story tackles are very relevant to what is going on in the world right now," notes actress Jennifer Morrison. The relevance of The Miracle Worker to today's world is shared by the cast and director.

"It's great. It's a great family drama. It's not just the story of a young girl who is deaf and blind, while it may seem that way" offers Matthew Modine, as he considers the larger scope of the play which deals with a family dealing with extraordinary circumstances.

"America is always going to be drawn by that family dynamic and what does that mean," observes Jennifer Morrison.

"Look at the struggle we're going through in our lives, in America, in the world today," notes Elizabeth Franz.

Of course, the inspiring story of Helen Keller centers on two female leads. The new Broadway revival offers two of the most celebrated young actresses of our generation-Allison Pill and Abigail Breslin. While the story is challenging, clearly the working process for the production has been very positive.

"Alison Pill is a tremendous young actress, as is Abigail Breslin. A lot of people know them from their film work. Alison from 'Milk,' and Abigail from 'Little Miss Sunshine.' It's great working with this young director Kate Whorisky. I think that it's wonderful having a women direct this play," reflects Matthew Modine on the talented creative team involved in this revival of The Miracle Worker.

"Abbie and I have so much fun. I love working with her, she's an incredible actress. You know, young or not, she's just one of the great actresses working today," shares Alison Pill.

Watch the entire video feature with the cast of Broadway's The Miracle Worker right here on Broadway.tv.