TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (WHNT) — People will once again have the chance to see the inspiring story of Helen Keller right where it all began.
The 64th annual production of The Miracle Worker returns to the outdoor stage at Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller.
The play follows Keller’s early life, from the illness that left her deaf and blind to the life-changing moment when she connected with her teacher, Anne Sullivan.
The show’s classic scene takes place at the well pump, where Keller spells the word “water” into Sullivan’s hand as it pours over them. That moment opened the door to a new world and forever changed Keller’s future.
Caroline Self, longtime director of The Miracle Worker, said this season is one to watch.
“Season 64 of The Miracle Worker at Ivy Green is shaping up to be one you don’t want to miss. Anna Bond Kelley is returning as Annie Sullivan this year and continues to blow us away with her deep and nuanced portrayal of Helen Keller’s teacher. I have seen and worked with many Annies over the years. I also portrayed the role myself. Anna raises the bar to a new level,” Self said.
This year brings a new face to the role of Helen Keller. Mary John Alexander will take on the part, with guidance from Lillie Meyer, who played Keller for the past three seasons.
“We have many veterans in the cast who continue to grow in their roles,” Self said. “But we have a new Helen this year. Lillie is helping to train Mary John in this difficult role.”
You can see the full cast list below:
Over the past two seasons, the cast and crew have been able to share the story of Keller and Sullivan with a wider audience through social media.
“Our content has gotten more than ten million views in the last month,” Self said. “We’ve been able to give people a look behind the scenes and clear up some of the misinformation that has spread about Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. We hope folks will follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to learn more about the production and the real history behind it.”
The Miracle Worker is recognized as the Official Outdoor Drama of Alabama and has been named one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society. The play continues to inspire audiences of all ages with its themes of perseverance, communication and belief in the impossible.
Performances begin at 8 p.m. and take place on the following dates: June 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 and July 11, 12, 18, 19. Gates open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for reserved seating and $15 for general admission.
“For those of us involved with The Miracle Worker, Ivy Green is a second home,” Self said. “This season, we have a cast of veterans. Some of us have grown up at Ivy Green and played different roles along the way. All of us have fallen in love with this special place and this incredible story. It is our privilege to share it. We hope it changes the lives of our audience members the way it has changed ours.”
Susann Hamlin, President and CEO of Colbert County Tourism, said the long-running production continues to be a cornerstone for the region.
“We are proud to support this powerful play and the people who bring it to life each summer,” Hamlin said. “The Miracle Worker draws visitors from all over the world and connects them to the incredible legacy of Helen Keller in a way that’s personal and unforgettable.”
To purchase tickets or learn more, you can call 256-383-4066 or visit the Helen Keller birthplace website.
You can also follow @miracleworkerplay on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for cast updates and behind-the-scenes content.
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