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The Miracle Worker on Broadway

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This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Certainly I am not the only person who was fascinated by Helen Keller when I was in school, was I? When I say fascinated, I mean that I not only read every book about her and her teacher Annie Sullivan that I could find, but that also extended to me reading other books about girls who were blind. I even taught myself the finger alphabet from the appendix of one of the books I read.

If you want to re-experience Helen Keller or introduce her to your own daughter, check out my companion post over at 5 Minutes for Books comparing the Miracle Worker play to the middle grade fiction novel Miss Spitfire.

175x175When I heard that The Miracle Worker was returning to Broadway and was offered complimentary seats to the show so that I could review it and offer a giveaway, I trembled with excitement.

When I checked out the cast, I was even more excited. This small ensemble includes Academy-award nominee Abigal Breslin as Helen Keller; Jennifer Morrison (House, M.D.) as Kate Keller; Matthew Modine as Captain Keller; the fabulously experienced Elizabeth Franz as Aunt Ev; and Tony-nominee and screen actress Alison Pill, whose depiction of the Miracle Worker Annie Sullivan is something that you must experience.

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Jennifer Morrison

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My Amanda with Abigal Breslin

Another thing that factored strongly into my love of this production is the setting. It is showing at the Circle in the Square theater in Times Square. I’ve never seen theater in the round, and if you haven’t, I can strongly recommend it. There are no bad seats in this theater, and the fact that the stage is in the middle of the theater with no curtain to hide behind puts a high burden on the actors to really come through.

This show exceeded my expectations in every way, and even surprised me. Yes, I was familiar with Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan’s story, and it’s always inspired me. But perhaps seeing the story through the eyes of a mom is what produced this unexpected connection. The power to connect with a child and unlock language is something that we are privileged to experience every day and through every stage of our children’s lives.

But the biggest surprise for me was the laughs. Yes, this serious dramatic play had more than one line that resulted in laughter throughout the theater, which made the whole experience richer.

Great acting, a fantastic setting, a great play about an inspiring story — This revival of The Miracle Worker on Broadway has it all.

If you are able to get into New York City to see this show, please do. I took my 6th-grader Amanda with me, and she loved it too. I wasn’t sure how she would like a 2 hour dramatic play, but she did. It’s not for young children, but I’m glad to pass along Amanda’s endorsement as well.

Even better? We have a set of four tickets to give away to TWO lucky readers!

It is open to anyone, but you have to be able to get to New York City to see the show. The vouchers are good for performances on Tuesday – Thursday between now and April 29 (subject to availability).

Leave a comment to enter now! Winners will be announced here on March 20.

Earn additional entries for the following:


Contributing editor Jennifer Donovan loves a story in any form — in the pages, on the stage, or on the screen. She manages 5 Minutes for Books and blogs at Snapshot.

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59 Comments

  1. I would love to see this wonderful play. Hard to believe but when I was a youngster in elementary school, Helen Keller spoke to our assembly.

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  7. I was fascinated with Helen Keller too! I had a storybook about her that had the braile alphabet on the back cover. 🙂 I would love to see this show.
    rlgrady[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  11. my niece is working on a report on Helen Keller, She mentioned this play while doing research online. I would love to take her.

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  12. I have always been in love with Helen Keller’s amazing story and I’m such a fan of Abigail, Jennifer and Alison. I would love to see this with my family if I won!

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  14. Helen Keller has been an example of courage and persistence since I was a young girl 60+ years ago. This play that celebrates her many gifts of spirit would be a wonderful event to witness. The fact that it has a stellar cast makes it even more exciting! Many thanks for a fine giveaway.

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  19. Sounds like a fantastic play! I loved the book and loved the movie with Patty Duke! Thanks for letting us know about the play! A must see!

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  21. sounds like a fabulous cast! …and where better to see it??!! just ran into a friend at the library who was taking out a bunch of books on Helen Keller b/c her daughter was doing a report on her–what timing!

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  23. I’d love to get to NYC with my 6th grader to see this play!!! I’ll keep my fingers crossed that I win! 😉

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  26. I have always been fascinated by Helen Keller’s story as well. I saw a high school production of it once, but I’m sure this performance trumps that one.

    I don’t live in or around NYC, but I know several people who do so I’ll pass along the tickets if I win…

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  27. I am planning on going this summer to see the show. It would be nice to have some free tickets (being it’s a recession and all).

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  40. What a nice giveaway. I remember learning about Helen Keller in elem school. Led a remarkable life — with the help of Annie.

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  43. I, too have always been inspired by Helen Keller. I’ve seen the film and read the book. I would absolutely love to win tickets to see the show.

    And yes, your daughter is adorable.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  44. I absolutely love this play! Helen Keller was such an inspiration. Thanks for the chance to see my first Broadway show.

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  46. Found you through an article I read online about mommy vloggers. I have been searching and searching for an online community of women vloggers. My friend Charisse and I have been vlogging for the past year, but more seriously since August. So great to find you. Love the 5 min. idea. What a treat to go to this production! My daughter would die to meet Abigal. We are going to NY this Summer…maybe we can make it happen. We would love to have you stop by sometime to find out what you think of our blog. Holly:)

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  47. We just watched Abigal Breslin in My Sister’s Keeper. Great movie and great actress. She has a lot of potential and I remember first seeing her in Signs with Mel Gibson. We also watch a lot of House. Jennifer Morrison isn’t on many of the later shows now, but never-the-less she also is a great actress. Sounds like this could be a good play.

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  55. My daughter has been obsessed with Helen Keller since she was in preschool. She would LOVE to see this show!!!

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  57. The Miracle Worker is a beautiful story and Abigail Breslin is one of stage and cinema’s bright new stars. Would love to see her performance…

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  58. I totally know what you mean, Jennifer. I read the book about Helen when I was a kid and I loved her story. I loved the film with Patty Duke too.

    Helen Keller’s story really is fascinating. It’s a great reminder to get little girls into reading the book.

    Reply