"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 winters 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..."
At least the producer's totally honest about wanting a star.
When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain.
-Kad
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.
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
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?
"Ok ok ok ok ok ok ok. Have you guys heard about fidget spinners!?" ~Patti LuPone
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?
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
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
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.
When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain.
-Kad
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.
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?
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.
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
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
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?
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
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!
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.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
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.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
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.
Like a firework unexploded
Wanting life but never
knowing how
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...
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
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.
When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain.
-Kad
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?
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.
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".