THE MIRACLE WORKER celebrates its 50th Anniversary of Opening on Broadway

This website was created to promote the production of THE MIRACLE WORKER which was being staged in the round on Broadway. Kate Whoriskey (Ruined) directed. After the show closed this site's domain registration was allowed to expire. Recently I discovered the domain was available so I bought it with the goal of recreating some of its original content from archived pages. I definitely didn't want someone else purchasing the domain and re-purposing it for something that had nothing in common with the original website. I wanted to keep the spirit of the original THE MIRACLE WORKER website intact.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AN ARCHIVED VERSION OF THE ORIGINAL SITE with additional outside image sources.

Photo: Abigail Breslin & Alison Pill

Kate Keller: Is it possible, even, to teach a deaf blind child half of what an ordinary child learns? Has it ever been done?

Annie Sullivan: No

"Before she would inspire millions, one woman would inspire her."

William Gibson’s Tony Award® winning play THE MIRACLE WORKER celebrates its 50th Anniversary of opening on Broadway with its first revival.

THE MIRACLE WORKER stars Academy Award® nominee Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and Tony Award® nominee Alison Pill (The Lieutenant of Inishmore) as Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, iconic roles made famous by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke in the Tony Award® winning play and landmark feature film adaptation. The cast also features Golden Globe® and Emmy Award® nominee Matthew Modine (And the Band Played On, Short Cuts), Jennifer Morrison (the Fox series House M.D., the film Star Trek), both making their Broadway debuts, and Tony Award® winner Elizabeth Franz (Death of a Salesman).

The cast also features Golden Globe® and Emmy Award® nominee Matthew Modine (And the Band Played On, Short Cuts), Jennifer Morrison (the Fox series House M.D., the film Star Trek), both making their Broadway debuts, and Tony Award® winner Elizabeth Franz (Death of a Salesman).

This production marked the first time THE MIRACLE WORKER was being staged in the round; Kate Whoriskey (Ruined) directed.

I found myself blessed to be present in the bustling energy of New York City when the acclaimed play, The Miracle Worker, opened. At the time, my team and I were consulting with a client, deploying our expertise in the implementation of a complex integration system. The task at hand involved improving and streamlining their communication, leveraging best practices used by data analysts and business intelligence experts. Amid our busy schedule, a delightful surprise came our way. One of the principals at the client's firm procured tickets for us to The Miracle Worker. It was an unexpected, unforgettable treat. The Miracle Worker was a resounding testament to the power of performance art. The astounding performances, brilliant direction, and the compelling narrative held us in rapt attention, further solidifying the already significant cultural and professional experience we were having in the city. Simultaneously, our intellectual curiosities were stirred. An exploration into the philosophical concept of "nothing" started. This was sparked by a fascinating post we chanced upon at TheAstronomyCafe.net entitled "The Significance of Nothing." The article delved into the philosophical underpinnings and profound significance of the concept of "nothing." It triggered a robust and enlightening discussion amongst us that added a richly layered, philosophical dimension to our visit to NYC. The presence of "nothing," as explored in the article, echoed in the silence between dialogues, the pauses in performances, and the empty spaces on stage in The Miracle Worker. It was a manifestation of the profound truth that "nothing" indeed holds its own weight and significance. All these components combined — the demanding work, the enriching cultural experience, and the philosophical exploration — to create an unforgettable time in New York City. Our encounter with "nothing" significantly contributed to making our journey intellectually stimulating and immeasurably enriching.

What is THE MIRACLE WORKER about?

Set in the American South in the 1880s, THE MIRACLE WORKER tells the story of real-life Medal of Freedom winner Helen Keller, who suddenly lost her sight and hearing at the age of 19 months, and the extraordinary teacher who taught her to communicate with the world, Annie Sullivan.

Who wrote it?

William Gibson.

Who is directing it?

Kate Whoriskey.

Who’s in it?

The first Broadway revival of THE MIRACLE WORKER celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the play's Broadway premiere. It stars Academy Award® nominee Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and Tony Award® nominee Alison Pill (The Lieutenant of Inishmore) as Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan, iconic roles made famous by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke in the Tony Award-winning play and landmark feature film adaptation.

Where has it played before?

The Tony®-winning premiere production of THE MIRACLE WORKER opened at Broadway’s Playhouse Theatre in 1959, starring Patty Duke as Helen Keller and Anne Bancroft as Annie Sullivan. This is its first Broadway revival.
Has it won any awards?

The premiere production won four Tony® Awards in 1960, including Best Play, Best Actress in a Play (Anne Bancroft), Best Direction of a Play (Arthur Penn) and Best Stage Technician (John Walters). It was also Tony-nominated for Best Scenic Design (Play). Patty Duke won a 1960 Theatre World Award for her portrayal of Helen Keller.

Is THE MIRACLE WORKER appropriate for children?

Kids 12 and older will have the best experience, but children 5 and up are welcome.

THE MIRACLE WORKER contains no objectionable content, but the material might best be understood and enjoyed by children who have started elementary school.

Please note that children under the age of four are not permitted in the theatre.

Will my grandparents enjoy THE MIRACLE WORKER?

Yes!

I’m not familiar with Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan.

Medal-of-Freedom winner Helen Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) was an American author, political activist and lecturer, who was blind and deaf from infancy. She was the first person who was both blind and deaf to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, and she inspired the world with her courage, intelligence and fortitude. Throughout her life, she worked to improve the lives of the blind and deaf.

THE MIRACLE WORKER tells the story of how Keller's teacher, Annie Sullivan (April 14, 1866 – October 20, 1936), broke through the isolation imposed by a near complete lack of language. Her work with Helen Keller is still the blueprint for the education of children who are blind, blind and deaf, or visually impaired.

I’m not familiar with the work of William Gibson. Will I like THE MIRACLE WORKER?

If you like beautifully written family drama that tells an inspirational story about real-life people, you will love THE MIRACLE WORKER.

Who is producing THE MIRACLE WORKER?

Performances begin on February 12, 2010; opening night is scheduled for March 3, 2010.
David Richenthal, Eric Falkenstein and Randall Wreghitt.

How long will THE MIRACLE WORKER be running?

Tickets for THE MIRACLE WORKER are currently on sale through August 1, 2010. Please check back on our website for information on new performance dates!

How long is THE MIRACLE WORKER?

Approximately 2 hours, with one 15-minute intermission.

Where is it playing?

The Circle in the Square Theatre, which his located at 235 West 50th Street (between Broadway & 8th Ave). Click here for information about the theatre.

CAST

ABIGAIL BRESLIN
Abigail Breslin (Helen Keller) made her breakthrough film appearance as Mel Gibson’s leading lady at the tender age of five in M. Night Shyamalan’s 2002 film Signs. She is perhaps best known for her critically acclaimed title-role performance in the runaway hit comedy Little Miss Sunshine. Abigail received Academy Award, SAG and BAFTA best supporting actress nominations and was honored with a Best Actress award from the Tokyo International Film Festival, as well as being named ShoWest’s “Female Star of Tomorrow” in 2008. Other film credits include Raising Helen, No Reservations, Definitely Maybe, Nim’s Island and Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. This summer, she starred opposite Cameron Diaz in the Warner Brother’s film My Sister’s Keeper and can currently be seen starring in Columbia’s hit horror comedy Zombieland opposite Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg and Emma Stone. Abigail can next be seen opposite Johnny Depp in Rango, Gore Verbinski’s animated adventure film for Paramount Pictures.

ALISON PILL
Alison Pill (Annie Sullivan) most recently starred on Broadway in Mauritius and in the Off-Broadway hits reasons to be pretty and Blackbird, for which she received Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League nominations. She was nominated for a Tony® Award for her Broadway debut in The Lieutenant of Inishmore and for a Lucille Lortel Award for On the Mountain. She won a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble in the U.S. premiere of The Distance from Here and starred in an Off-Broadway run of None of the Above. Film work includes Scott Pilgrim vs The World, Milk, Dan in Real Life, Dear Wendy, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen and Pieces of April. Television includes In Treatment (HBO), The Book of Daniel (NBC), Life With Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows, and the upcoming miniseries The Pillars of the Earth.
MATTHEW MODINE
Matthew Modine (Captain Keller) A veteran of over 50 films, Modine has starred in Alan Parker's Birdy, Jonathan Demme's Married to the Mob, Harold Becker's Vision Quest, Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket, Alan J. Pakula's Orphans, John Schlesinger's Pacific Heights and Oliver Stone's On Any Given Sunday to name a few. In 1984, he was recognized by the Venice Film Festival for his work in Robert Altman's Streamers, while he and his cast mates received an unprecedented Best Actor Golden Lion Award. In 1993 he received a second award from the Venice Film Festival —a Volpi Cup for Best Ensemble Cast—in Robert Altman's Golden-Lion-Award-winning Shortcuts, with the cast winning the Golden Globe® for Best Ensemble. Matthew earned Golden Globe® and Emmy Award® nominations for his performance in HBO's critically acclaimed, Emmy Award®-winning drama And the Band Played On. Modine received a Golden Globe® nomination for his performance in the 1998 Hallmark Entertainment production What the Deaf Man Heard (CBS), the highest rated television movie at that time on any network since 1991. Matthew also appeared in the Emmy Award® nominated CBS miniseries Hitler: The Rise of Evil. Recently, Matthew starred in the feature film Opa! and just completed filming The Trial. Three of his short films, When I Was a Boy (co-directed with Todd Field), Smoking and Ecce Pirate debuted at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim. When I Was a Boy also premiered at the prestigious New Directors/New Films at New York's Museum of Modern Art. I Think I Thought had its North American premiere at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival. Cowboy premiered at the 2008 Los Angeles United Film Festival. Each of these films have since played major film festivals throughout the world. Modine's first feature, If…Doug…Rabbit starred John Hurt, Kevin J. O'Connor, Bruce Dern, Lisa Marie and David Keith. On stage he starred in the critically acclaimed Hartford Stage production of To Kill a Mockingbird and in the world premiere of Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas at the Geffen Playhouse, a satire about the film industry. Modine directed the play 12 Angry Men starring F. Murray Abraham, Wallace Shawn and Seymour Cassel at the New Mercury Theater co-founded by Matthew and Todd Field in Beverly Hills, California. THE MIRACLE WORKER marks Modine’s Broadway debut.
JENNIFER MORRISON
Jennifer Morrison (Kate Keller) makes her Broadway debut in THE MIRACLE WORKER. She can currently be seen as Dr. Allison Cameron on Fox’s critically acclaimed drama House MD, which has received nominations for the 2009 Screen Actors Guild Award, Primetime Emmy Award® for Outstanding Drama Series in 2008, 2007 and 2006 and a 2008 Golden Globe Award®. She was recently nominated for a 2008 WIN Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her performance on the hit show. This fall she can be seen in the upcoming Lion’s Gate feature film Warrior directed by Gavin O’Conner starring opposite Nick Nolte and Joel Egerton. This summer she appeared in J.J. Abrams’s film Star Trek as Captain James Kirk’s mother, Winona. She was recently seen in 20th Century Fox’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith opposite Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Dreamworks’ Surviving Christmas starring Ben Affleck and Christina Applegate, the independent film Flourish in which she stars in and produced and in the Lifetime feature The Murder of Princess Diana based on the novel by Noel Botham. Other film credits include Grind, Urban Legends: Final Cut and the Kevin Bacon thriller Stir of Echoes. On television she played a recurring role on Dawson's Creek and appeared in the series Any Day Now and The Chronicle. Morrison studied with the celebrated Steppenwolf Theatre Company and earned a theater degree from Loyola University.
ELIZABETH FRANZ
Elizabeth Franz (Aunt Ev) made her Broadway debut in Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Since then she has appeared on Broadway in Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs (Tony® and Drama Desk Award nominations), The Cherry Orchard, The Octette Bridge Club, The Cemetery Club, Getting Married, Uncle Vanya. Ms. Franz is best known for her powerful interpretation of Linda Loman in the 1999 production of Death of a Salesman (Tony Award®, Chicago’s Jefferson Award, Boston’s Eliot Norton Award, Los Angeles’ Ovation Award, New York’s Fany Award, Drama Desk Award nomination and Outer Critics Circle Nomination). Her performance was recorded for television and she was nominated for Screen Actors Guild and Emmy Awards®. She and Sam Waterston starred in an acclaimed New York production of Long Day’s Journey Into Night before she returned to Broadway in the multiple Tony®-nominated production of Morning’s At Seven for which was nominated for Tony®, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Off Broadway: originated the title role in Christopher Durang’s Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You (Obie Award, Drama Desk nomination), world premiere of Kelly Masterson’s Against the Rising Sea at Queens Theater in The Park and The Piano Teacher at The Vineyard Theatre (2008 Lucille Lortel Award). Other performances include The Cripple of Inishman, The Comedy of Errors, Minutes from the Blue Route and Madwoman of Chaillot. Regional credits include Lion in Winter, The Glass Menagerie, A View from the Bridge, The Matchmaker, The Wizard of Oz, Great Expectations, Model Apartment, Woman in Mind. In 2003 she was awarded the Dramatist’s Guild Sidney Kingsley and Madge Evans Lifetime Achievement in the Theater Award. Film: Christmas with the Kranks, The Substance of Fire, Sabrina, The Pallbearer, Stephen King’s Thinner, Fish in a Bathtub, Secret of My Success, School Ties and Jacknife. Television movies A Town’s Revenge (Emmy® nomination), A Girl Thing, The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket Dottie, Love and Other Sorrows and House of Mirth. Numerous television series including Law & Order: Cold Case, Judging Amy, Roseanne and The Gilmore Girls.

TOBIAS SEGAL
Tobias Segal (James) is excited to make his Broadway debut. Last season, he played roles in The Cherry Orchard and A Winter's Tale in Sam Mendes's Bridge Project (BAM, Old Vic, European and Asian Tour). Off-Broadway, Toby appeared in From Up Here at MTC (Drama Desk and Drama League nominations) and Doris to Darlene at Playwrights Horizons. Regional credits include Equus (Barrymore Award). Film/TV: Rocky Balboa, New Year Parade (Slamdance Grand Jury Prize), Medium, Law & Order, Law & Order SVU.
DANIEL ORESKES
Daniel Oreskes (Doctor/Anagnos) originated the role of “Big Davey” in Billy Elliot. Other recent credits include “Theseus” in Midsummer Night's Dream (Public), “Jupiter” in Cymbeline (Lincoln Center). Film: The Thomas Crown Affair, Devil's Advocate. TV: The Sopranos, Waterfront, Third Watch, Law and Order.
MICHAEL CUMMINGS
Michael Cummings (Percy) Broadway: Lincoln Center Theatre: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. Off-Broadway: Ty Jones’s Emancipation, Radha Blank's seed (Classical Theatre of Harlem), A Single Winter's Day (Concordia Conservatory). TV: One Life to Live, Late Show with David Letterman, Sesame Street.
SIMONE JOY JONES
Simone Joy Jones (Martha) is excited about her Broadway debut. She enjoys reading, writing, singing, dancing, and acting. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Sean Jr. and Shirley Grant Management.
YVETTE GANIER
Yvette Ganier (Viney) Broadway: King Hedley. London: Jitney. Off-Broadway: Breath Boom (2002 OBIE), Jitney, For Colored Girls (25th Anniversary). Regional: Steppenwolf, The Goodman (Hedley, Gem of the Ocean), Mark Taper (Gem), Intiman, Seattle Rep, Pittsburgh Public, Center Stage, Dallas Theatre Center, Cleveland Playhouse, Great Lakes.
LANCE CHANTILES-WERTZ
Lance Chantiles-Wertz (Jimmie) Broadway Debut! Off-Broadway: The Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd. New York City Ballet: The Nutcracker (Prince), Mother Goose. Eight Operas with the Met, MTV, Nickelodeon, The Onion News. Thanks to family, friends, teachers, SAB, Abrams, especially my mother. We did it!

More Background On MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com

MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com serves as both a historical archive and a tribute to one of Broadway's most celebrated American dramas. Unlike most promotional websites created for theatrical productions, this site has evolved beyond its original purpose. What once functioned as the official online presence for the 2010 Broadway revival of The Miracle Worker has since been recreated as an archival resource, preserving information, photographs, cast biographies, production details, and historical context that otherwise might have disappeared after the production closed.

For theatre enthusiasts, historians, educators, students, and fans of Helen Keller's remarkable story, the website provides a fascinating glimpse into an important Broadway production while simultaneously documenting a significant chapter in the long history of William Gibson's award-winning play.

Unlike commercial theatre websites that disappear once ticket sales end, MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com demonstrates how preserving historical websites can benefit future audiences by maintaining access to information that might otherwise be lost forever.

The Purpose Behind the Website

Originally, MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com was created as the official promotional website for the 2010 Broadway revival of The Miracle Worker. Like many Broadway production sites, its initial purpose was to provide prospective audiences with performance schedules, ticket information, cast biographies, production news, theatre information, and background on the play itself.

After the production concluded, the domain registration eventually expired.

Rather than allowing the domain to be purchased and repurposed for unrelated content, its current owner reacquired the domain and rebuilt much of the original website using archived material. According to the website itself, this decision was made specifically to preserve the original spirit of the production and prevent the site's historical significance from being lost. Additional images from outside sources were incorporated to supplement the archived material while clearly identifying the site as a reconstructed historical archive rather than the original promotional website.

That mission distinguishes MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com from countless other theatre websites that vanished after their productions closed.

The Broadway Revival It Celebrated

The website centers on the 2010 Broadway revival of William Gibson's The Miracle Worker, one of the most respected dramas in American theatre.

This production held particular historical significance because it represented the first Broadway revival of the play since its legendary 1959 premiere—arriving approximately fifty years after the original production introduced audiences to the inspirational story of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan.

Performances began with previews on February 12, 2010.

Opening night occurred on March 3, 2010.

The production was presented as a limited Broadway engagement at Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City before closing on April 4, 2010 after 28 regular performances and 21 preview performances.

Although its run proved relatively brief, the revival attracted considerable attention because of its accomplished creative team and recognizable cast.

A Landmark American Drama

William Gibson's The Miracle Worker tells the true story of Helen Keller, who lost both her sight and hearing as an infant, and Annie Sullivan, the determined teacher who ultimately taught Keller to communicate through language.

Rather than functioning as a simple biography, the play focuses on the intense emotional and psychological struggle between student and teacher. Annie Sullivan must overcome not only Helen's inability to communicate but also the protective habits of Helen's family, whose sympathy had unintentionally reinforced Helen's isolation.

The dramatic climax—centered around Helen's breakthrough understanding that words represent objects and ideas—remains one of the most celebrated scenes in American theatre.

The enduring popularity of the play stems from its universal themes of perseverance, education, determination, family dynamics, disability, and human potential.

Historical Importance of the Original Production

The website appropriately emphasizes that the 2010 revival celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the original Broadway production.

The original The Miracle Worker premiered in 1959 at the Playhouse Theatre and became an immediate critical and commercial success.

It won four Tony Awards, including:

Best Play
Best Actress (Anne Bancroft)
Best Director (Arthur Penn)
Best Stage Technician

Patty Duke, who portrayed Helen Keller, also received the Theatre World Award for her remarkable performance.

The subsequent 1962 film adaptation starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke became a classic of American cinema, introducing the story to millions of viewers worldwide.

By the time the 2010 revival opened, The Miracle Worker had become firmly established as one of the defining works of twentieth-century American theatre.

An Innovative Staging "In the Round"

One of the most distinctive aspects of the 2010 revival—and a major focus of MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com—was its staging.

Director Kate Whoriskey chose to present the play "in the round" at Circle in the Square Theatre.

This marked the first time the Broadway production had been staged using this immersive theatrical configuration.

Unlike traditional proscenium theatres, where audiences view the stage from one direction, theatre-in-the-round surrounds the performers on multiple sides.

This format creates a heightened sense of intimacy.

For a play centered upon deeply personal emotional confrontations, physical struggle, and close relationships, the staging allowed audiences to experience the performances from remarkably close distances.

The website repeatedly highlights this production choice because it represented one of the revival's defining artistic characteristics and distinguished it from previous productions.

Circle in the Square Theatre: An Ideal Venue

One of the defining features of the 2010 Broadway revival was its presentation at the historic Circle in the Square Theatre, located at 235 West 50th Street in Manhattan's Theatre District. Unlike most Broadway houses, Circle in the Square is specifically designed for theatre-in-the-round, allowing audiences to surround the stage from every direction. This intimate layout encourages close interaction between performers and audience members and creates an immersive theatrical experience that differs dramatically from traditional proscenium productions.

The venue proved particularly appropriate for The Miracle Worker. Much of the play consists of emotionally charged confrontations between Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller, including physically demanding scenes requiring exceptional choreography and precise staging. The circular configuration allowed every audience member to feel close to the performers, making the emotional intensity of these scenes even more impactful.

MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com introduces visitors to the theatre while explaining its location and emphasizing that this production marked the first Broadway staging of The Miracle Worker in this unique environment.

Director Kate Whoriskey's Vision

The revival was directed by Kate Whoriskey, one of America's most respected stage directors.

Prior to directing The Miracle Worker, Whoriskey had earned widespread acclaim for directing Lynn Nottage's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Ruined, which received numerous awards and established her reputation for bringing emotionally complex stories to the stage.

Her interpretation of William Gibson's classic sought to preserve the emotional power of the original while presenting it in a more immediate and intimate setting. The in-the-round staging removed many traditional theatrical barriers, allowing audiences to experience the characters' emotional struggles almost from within the family home itself.

The website consistently highlights Whoriskey's involvement because her reputation contributed significantly to anticipation surrounding the revival.

An Accomplished Cast

MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com devotes considerable space to detailed biographies of its cast members, reflecting one of the strengths of the original promotional website.

Abigail Breslin as Helen Keller

Perhaps the production's biggest draw was Academy Award nominee Abigail Breslin, who portrayed Helen Keller.

By 2010, Breslin had already become one of Hollywood's best-known young actresses following her Oscar-nominated performance in Little Miss Sunshine. Her work in films including Signs, My Sister's Keeper, Definitely, Maybe, Nim's Island, and Zombieland had established her versatility despite her young age.

Playing Helen Keller presented an entirely different challenge. The role demanded sustained physical acting with little spoken dialogue while conveying tremendous emotional complexity through movement, facial expression, and body language.

Alison Pill as Annie Sullivan

Opposite Breslin, Alison Pill portrayed Annie Sullivan.

Already respected within Broadway circles, Pill had received a Tony Award nomination for The Lieutenant of Inishmore and numerous Off-Broadway accolades before assuming one of American theatre's most demanding female roles.

The website outlines her extensive theatre experience while also noting film appearances in Milk, Dan in Real Life, and later Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.

Her portrayal required enormous physical endurance, as Annie Sullivan spends much of the play engaged in intense emotional and physical struggles with Helen.

Supporting Cast

The supporting company assembled for the revival featured an impressive collection of stage and screen performers.

Matthew Modine

Golden Globe and Emmy nominee Matthew Modine made his Broadway debut as Captain Arthur Keller.

Known primarily for films including Full Metal Jacket, Birdy, Vision Quest, and Married to the Mob, Modine brought substantial screen recognition to the production. The website provides an extensive overview of his career in film, television, directing, and stage work.

Jennifer Morrison

Television audiences recognized Jennifer Morrison from her role on House M.D. and her appearance in Star Trek. The Miracle Worker represented her Broadway debut as Kate Keller.

Her participation helped broaden the production's appeal beyond traditional theatre audiences by attracting viewers familiar with her television work.

Elizabeth Franz

Tony Award winner Elizabeth Franz portrayed Aunt Ev.

Franz brought decades of distinguished Broadway experience, including acclaimed performances in Death of a Salesman, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and numerous Shakespearean productions. Her résumé alone reflected the production's commitment to combining accomplished theatre veterans with recognizable film and television actors.

The remainder of the ensemble included Tobias Segal, Daniel Oreskes, Michael Cummings, Simone Joy Jones, Yvette Ganier, and Lance Chantiles-Wertz, many of whom were making Broadway debuts or bringing significant regional theatre experience to the production.

Website Features and Content

Like many official Broadway websites of its era, MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com was designed to answer virtually every question a prospective audience member might have before purchasing tickets.

Among its most useful features were:

Frequently Asked Questions
Complete cast biographies
Synopsis of the play
Historical background on Helen Keller
Information about Annie Sullivan
Running time
Theatre location
Recommended audience age
Awards history
Production information
Producer credits

Rather than relying solely on flashy marketing, the site also served as an educational resource. Visitors unfamiliar with Helen Keller or William Gibson could quickly understand why The Miracle Worker remains one of America's most respected dramatic works.

This educational approach continues to distinguish the archived version from many contemporary entertainment websites that focus primarily on ticket sales.

Audience and Educational Value

One of the more interesting aspects of the website is its recognition that The Miracle Worker appeals to multiple audiences simultaneously.

Students studying American literature often encounter the play in school.

Teachers frequently assign it as part of English or history curricula.

Families appreciate its inspirational message.

Theatre enthusiasts value its dramatic craftsmanship.

Historians recognize its portrayal of two extraordinary women whose influence extended far beyond education.

The website explicitly addresses parents by recommending that children approximately twelve years and older will have the greatest appreciation for the material, while noting that younger elementary-aged children may also enjoy the production depending upon maturity. It also reassures older audience members by humorously answering the question, "Will my grandparents enjoy The Miracle Worker?" with a simple "Yes!"

These frequently asked questions helped make the site welcoming to audiences with varying degrees of familiarity with Broadway theatre.

Critical Reception

The 2010 Broadway revival generated considerable interest before opening, thanks to its combination of a beloved American play, an acclaimed director, and a cast featuring recognizable film, television, and stage performers. Theatre publications closely followed the production throughout rehearsals, previews, opening night, and its limited run, publishing interviews, production photographs, reviews, and audience reactions.

Reviews generally praised the commitment and physical intensity of the cast. Critics consistently noted the demanding performances by Abigail Breslin and Alison Pill, whose roles required not only emotional depth but also considerable physical endurance during the often-combative scenes between Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan.

Many reviewers also highlighted the effectiveness of presenting the play in Circle in the Square Theatre's in-the-round configuration. The staging created an intimacy rarely achieved in larger Broadway venues, allowing audiences to witness every facial expression, gesture, and emotional confrontation from close range.

While critical opinions varied regarding certain production choices, reviewers broadly agreed that William Gibson's powerful script remained as emotionally compelling as it had been fifty years earlier. Publications including The New York Times, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and numerous theatre-focused media outlets covered the production, ensuring that it received significant national attention despite its relatively short Broadway engagement.

Financial Performance

Although The Miracle Worker attracted a talented cast and considerable media attention, the revival faced the economic realities that confront many Broadway productions.

Industry reports indicate that the production was capitalized at approximately $2.6 million, representing a substantial investment by its producers. Unfortunately, ticket sales did not consistently meet expectations, and despite positive audience reactions and the prestige associated with the play, the production closed on April 4, 2010, after only 28 regular performances following 21 preview performances.

Like many Broadway productions that enjoy critical respect but limited commercial success, the revival reportedly did not recover its capitalization before closing. This outcome illustrates the considerable financial risks associated with producing Broadway theatre, where even acclaimed productions with recognizable performers may struggle against competition from long-running musicals and blockbuster attractions.

Despite its brief run, the production remains an important chapter in the performance history of The Miracle Worker because it introduced the classic play to a new generation of audiences while experimenting successfully with an innovative staging concept.

Awards and Legacy

The website appropriately emphasizes the extraordinary awards history associated with The Miracle Worker, even though those honors primarily belong to the original production.

The original 1959 Broadway production received four Tony Awards, including:

Best Play
Best Actress in a Play (Anne Bancroft)
Best Direction of a Play (Arthur Penn)
Best Stage Technician (John Walters)

Additionally, Patty Duke received the Theatre World Award for her unforgettable portrayal of Helen Keller.

These accolades established The Miracle Worker as one of Broadway's landmark dramatic works, and the subsequent Academy Award-winning film adaptation further expanded its cultural influence.

Although the 2010 revival did not receive comparable awards recognition, its importance lies in reintroducing the play to contemporary audiences and demonstrating that its themes remain as relevant today as they were half a century earlier.

Helen Keller's Enduring Cultural Significance

A major strength of MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com is that it extends beyond simply promoting a theatrical production. The site also educates visitors about the remarkable lives of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan.

Helen Keller remains one of the most influential Americans in the history of disability advocacy. After losing both her sight and hearing at nineteen months of age, she became the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Throughout her life she authored numerous books, traveled internationally, advocated for people with disabilities, supported educational initiatives, and spoke on issues involving social justice, labor rights, women's suffrage, and world peace.

Equally significant was Annie Sullivan, whose innovative teaching methods transformed educational practices for children who were blind, deafblind, or visually impaired. Her patient, persistent, and individualized approach to communication became a foundation for generations of special education professionals.

By presenting this historical background alongside information about the Broadway revival, the website helps visitors appreciate that The Miracle Worker is not merely inspirational entertainment but the dramatization of an extraordinary historical relationship that permanently influenced education and disability awareness.

Preserving a Piece of Broadway History

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com today is not the production it originally promoted but the preservation effort that followed.

Most official Broadway production websites disappear once performances end. Domains expire, hosting accounts are cancelled, images vanish, and years of production history become inaccessible except through scattered archival resources.

In this case, the current owner intentionally reacquired the expired domain and reconstructed much of the original website using archived content. The site's homepage openly explains that it is an archived recreation enhanced with additional historical imagery rather than the original live promotional site. This transparency gives the archive credibility while preserving valuable historical information that otherwise might have been permanently lost.

For theatre historians, students, researchers, and fans, this preservation effort has lasting value. It safeguards cast biographies, production photographs, frequently asked questions, historical summaries, and contextual information that document a specific moment in Broadway history.

Popularity and Audience Today

Unlike active commercial theatre websites, MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com no longer serves ticket buyers. Instead, its audience consists primarily of:

Broadway historians
Theatre students
Educators
Helen Keller researchers
Fans of Abigail Breslin and Alison Pill
Individuals interested in archived Broadway productions
People researching William Gibson's work
General readers interested in American theatre history

Its niche appeal reflects its evolution from marketing resource to historical archive.

Visitors often arrive through searches related to The Miracle Worker, Helen Keller, Annie Sullivan, William Gibson, or the 2010 Broadway revival. Because relatively few archived production websites remain online in such complete form, MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com occupies a unique place among preserved theatrical resources.

Why the Website Still Matters

Although the Broadway revival itself lasted only a short time, MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com continues to fulfill an important role.

It preserves the story of a noteworthy theatrical production while simultaneously celebrating one of America's greatest inspirational dramas. It documents an accomplished cast, an innovative staging concept, and a production that sought to honor the fiftieth anniversary of a Broadway classic.

More importantly, it demonstrates the value of preserving cultural websites after their original commercial purpose has ended. Official production sites often contain information unavailable elsewhere, including biographies, promotional materials, production notes, historical essays, and original photography. Once removed, these materials are frequently difficult or impossible to reconstruct.

By maintaining this archive, the site's owner has created a resource that benefits researchers, educators, students, theatre lovers, and anyone interested in the continuing legacy of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan.

MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com is far more than a surviving Broadway promotional website. It has evolved into a carefully maintained historical archive dedicated to preserving the memory of the 2010 Broadway revival of The Miracle Worker and the enduring legacy of one of American theatre's most important plays.

The website combines production history, educational resources, cast biographies, historical context, and archival preservation into a single destination that appeals to theatre enthusiasts and historians alike. By reconstructing the original site after the domain expired, its current owner ensured that this chapter of Broadway history would remain accessible rather than disappearing into the digital past.

As more theatrical productions rely on temporary websites that vanish after closing night, MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com serves as an excellent example of digital preservation in action. It reminds visitors that Broadway history extends beyond the stage itself and that preserving the online record of significant productions can be just as valuable as preserving photographs, playbills, reviews, and recordings

MiracleWorkerOnBroadway.com