MIRACLE WORKER already drawing protests

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 9:38am

"Two weeks after a group of deaf actors protested the choice of a hearing actor for a deaf role in an upcoming Off Broadway production, the issue has surfaced again: Should producers have chosen a deaf or blind child actress to play Helen Keller in this winters Broadway revival of The Miracle Worker?
...
The lead producer of the revival, David Richenthal, said in an interview that he had already made up his mind about his casting criteria for Helen when he chose to revive the William Gibson play - he wanted a star. The only way to make money for his investors in a commercial Broadway revival of a play these days, Mr. Richenthal believes, is to cast stars, and his research did not turn up any young actresses with a high Q rating who were deaf or blind..."

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/advocacy-group-opposes-miracle-worker-casting-choice/

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 9:58am

At least the producer's totally honest about wanting a star.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 10:09am

I happen to think Breslin is very talented and she's great for this role.

If they had cast a true deaf/blind actress it could turn into a novelty and a joke. "Come see a real blind person play Helen Keller!" It would cheapen the play and turn it into a side show.

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 10:10am

I have a question, if these protesters are worried about the Broadway production of "The Miracle Worker", then why aren't they doing around the country/world with the same issues as stated for this production?

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 10:49am

Because they waited for a "star production" to protest.

They didn't go after low-profile regional productions of this play for the exact same reason this producer didn't go after low-profile actors to be in it.

They can't argue with his logic when they're using it themselves to make a bigger point.

... and since when does the "best person" and most "perfect choice" for the job actually get the role? Especially on Broadway?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:06am

Let me consult my rolodex of deaf and blind actors here...and how exactly is this actor supposed to hear or know visually when their cue is?

Of course the real question is why did he feel the need to have a star in the supporting role of Helen Keller and not in the leading part of Annie Sullivan?
Updated On: 10/29/09 at 11:06 AM

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:17am

Pill isn't a no-name either. She's a working and recognizable screen actress.

I know who she is from movies like "Milk," where she was excellent.

But a box-office draw? No.

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:17am

I got the impression that he really liked Alison Pill as Anne and then knew he had to have a star for Helen.

I don't imagine a deaf actress having a difficult time, really. I would guess the cast of the Deaf West production of Big River had a more difficult time than a deaf actress would in The Miracle Worker.

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:22am

givesmevoice---I was thinking the same thing, too. He was probably blown away by Pill in an audition, and then figured, "uh-oh," I better have a "draw" as Helen, if I can get one.

By the way, Pill has a HUGE film and TV resume for someone her age. And she already has a Tony nomination under her belt.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0683467/

[Jane2]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:23am

This protest is a little unreasonable. Can they provide the producers with a list of some deaf and blind actors they have in mind for this role? This very heavy role which calls for an actor with the chops to do it?

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:26am

Because they waited for a "star production" to protest.

Exactly. An Asian American group isn't going to protest a lily-white production of The King and I in podunk. They'll protest something much more high-profile.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:27am

Is Abbigail Breslin really a name that's going to sell tickets?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:27am

Givesmevoice - I'm talking out of my ass a little bit here - but I would imagine a large cast of integrated deaf/hearing performers would be easier to navigate than a single deaf actress in a play like THE MIRACLE WORKER.

There is no music in THE MIRACLE WORKER - no vibrations to feel - most of the scenework is with one other actress and the cues are are very specifically timed with verbal lines.

I'm not saying a blind or deaf actress couldn't do it. But it would be an incredible challenge to make it work and still make it feel organic

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:30am

I agree with MB. Plus during the tirade scenes, I'd be worried about her falling off the stage!

It could and would work much better in a film for TV or theatrical release. So ... where were these protests when the last incarnation of Miracle Worker hit the screen? Why pick on Broadway where the logistics are far more complicated to pull off for eight shows a week?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:32am

Well its impossible to fall off the stage of Circle in the Square - though I do fear for the audience in the front row during those breakfast table scenes. Bring your umbrella!

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:34am

Of course, for argument's sake, you could say, "well, she could be almost totally deaf or legally blind," or something like that.

I mean, she'd have to be able to see or hear the cues and know where the edge of the stage was, right? So, she'd have to be partially sighted and only partially deaf.

Would that make her more "partially" right for the role to these protestors?


EDIT: MB, forgot about Circle in the Square as the venue. Yeah, it might be more like a Gallagher concert.

Updated On: 10/29/09 at 11:34 AM

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:38am

Honestly, I think they've already made their point. We're talking about it. I'm sure others are, too.

Their goal is to raise awareness about casting deaf and blind actors for major roles in high profile productions. They see an injustice. Even if this particular protest is a bit illogical, it should get everyone, particularly people in the biz, thinking about the possibilities.

So, they've done their job already.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:42am

Are the deaf protestors bothered that the actor chosen isn't blind? Why aren't they including blind people who disagree with the casting? Helen Keller is just as much "theirs". It seems pretty selfish to ignore the fact that both main characters were blind.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:43am

Pretty much. I can't imagine Deaf West or National Theatre for the Deaf couldn't have recommended a young Deaf actress. But of course, she wouldn't be the name Breslin is.

FWIW, Marlee Matlin (who herself is sort of polarizing) tweeted yesterday that this will be a good chance to get the signing right. However, I'm not sure if she's deleted that tweet; I can't find it...

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:45am

The group argues for the inclusion of both blind and deaf actors, orange. Well, I imagine they argue for the inclusion of all actors with disabilities.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:47am

If Anne Bogart were directing everyone in the cast would be deaf, blind or disabled except Helen.

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:50am

... who would be Chinese American. And male.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:50am

I believe a deaf actress as Helen would be amazing.
Blind is another story, I can't think of one blind actor or actress, but I am sure there are some.
Alexandria Wailes is a wonderful actress, she is too old at this point to play Helen, but I am sure there is a capable deaf actress who could do this.
And though the Producer is being truthfull, I hardly applaud him for putting commerce over correctness. I bet they could have found a name and Box Office draw for Anne and then cast Helen from the deaf community. And that alone could be a draw if advertised well.
Has there ever been a production of CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD with a hearing actress?

[Eris0303]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:57am

Is Abbigail Breslin really a name that's going to sell tickets?

Breslin is not a star in the Dakota Fanning sense but she is a recognizable name with films such as Little Miss Sunshine, Kit Kitterage, Signs, and My Sister's Keeper under her belt. I find her to be very talented for her age. Unlike other young actresses she's not getting shoehorned into "cutsie" roles. She's done the "child fare" like Nim's Island but has really shown her chops in stuff like My Sister's Keeper. This is a good career move for her and it might attract a younger audience to the show.

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/29/09 at 11:59am

She's a bigger name than either Gershon or Stamos.