Abigail Breslin Talks THE MIRACLE WORKER with The New York Times

At the young age of 13, actress Abigail Breslin is already a film veteran with a slew of films to her name including 'Signs', 'Definitely, Maybe', 'My Sister's Keeper', and the bittersweet 'Little Miss Sunshine' for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award. But it may be Breslin's latest challenging role, that of the deaf-mute Helen Keller on Broadway's 'The Miracle Worker', which may redefine the young actress' already-high artistic reach.

In a story in the New York Times, writer Patrick Healey speaks to Breslin on the demanding and exhausting role that is Keller, one which relies solely on physicality to bridge the emotional connection with the audience. Of the role, Breslin says, "I've always wanted to play Helen, ever since I read a kid's biography of her, one of those learning-to-read books - it was 20 pages, and I read it seven times in two days," she says. "But when I read a script, I'm not thinking about my, you know, my image, I guess you'd call it. I don't feel any pressure to think about that. I'm kind of a very boring person. I don't think anyone would have any fun paying attention to me."

On her choice of roles, Breslin's approach is simple. "I like taking part in stories that I would want to read, and I chose characters primarily on whether she would be someone I'd want to be friends with in real life."

Anticipating the challenge that the play presents, director Kate Whoriskey held workshops with Breslin and Alison Pill (who stars at Annie Sullivan, Keller's teacher) focusing on the physical exchanges between the two actresses on stage. Whoriskey tells the New York Times that Breslin was a natural. "For me the big question of the play is: How do you choreograph and work with a character who doesn't have any language and is one of the leads?" says Whoriskey, "Abby is extraordinary in that she'll do anything you ask, and do it quite well, and she draws on this enormous empathy that she has for her character."

To read the rest of the story in the New York times, click here.

The 50th Anniversary production of William Gibson's Tony Award(r) winning THE MIRACLE WORKER, directed by Kate Whoriskey and starring Academy Award(r) nominee Abigail Breslin and Tony Award(r) nominee Alison Pill, is currently in previews ahead of a Wednesday, March 3 opening at Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50 Street).

Staged in the round for the first time ever, THE MIRACLE WORKER also stars Golden Globe(r) and Emmy Award(r) nominee Matthew Modine, Jennifer Morrison , and Tony Award(r) winner Elizabeth Franz, with Tobias Segal, Daniel Orsekes, Michael Cummings, Simone Joy Jones, Yvette Ganier and Lance Chantiles-Wertz.

Set in Tuscumbia, Alabama in the 1880s, THE MIRACLE WORKER tells the story of the young Helen Keller, who became blind and deaf after a childhood illness, and the extraordinary woman, Annie Sullivan, who taught her to communicate with the world.

Get a special behind-the-scenes sneak peek of THE MIRACLE WORKER with the new teaser trailer, featuring interviews with the stars and director: http://www.miracleworkeronbroadway.com/.

Scenic design is by Derek McLane, costume design is by Paul Tazewell, lighting design is by Kenneth Posner, original music & sound design is by Rob Milburn & Michael Bodeen, hair design is by Charles LaPointe, and physical coaching & movement is by Lee Sher.

THE MIRACLE WORKER is produced by David Richenthal, Eric Falkenstein, Randall L. Wreghitt, Barbara & Buddy Freitag/Dan Frishwasser, Joseph J. Grano, Jr., Mallory Factor, Cheryl Lachowicz, Martha Falkenberg, Bruce J. Carusi & Susan Altamore Carusi, Lynn Shaw, David & Sheila Lehrer; in association with Connie Bartlow Kristan, Jamie deRoy/Remmel T. Dickinson and associate producers Rosalind Productions, Inc. and Patty Baker/Anna Czekaj.

TICKETS AND SCHEDULE INFORMATION

THE MIRACLE WORKER tickets are $117.00 (including $2.00 facility charge) and are available by calling Telecharge at 212-239-6200, visiting www.telecharge.com or in person at Circle in the Square Theatre box office at 235 West 50 Street. Group sales tickets may be purchased by calling 212-239-6262 / 800-432-7780.

Previews from Friday, February 12 - Saturday, February 27, 2010:
Monday - Saturday evenings at 8p, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2p. No performances Sunday.

Week of March 1, 2010:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 8p. Sunday evening at 7p. Opening night curtain Wednesday, March 3 at 6:30p. No performance Thursday, March 4. Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2p.

Beginning week of March 8, 2010: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7p,Friday and Saturday at 8p, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2p. Sunday matinees at 3p. Dark Monday.

For more information, visit www.miracleworkeronbroadway.com

 

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