Broadway producers looking to make bank with a revival of The Miracle Worker, the story of Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan, were understandably excited when they announced they had landed Little Miss Sunshine star Abigail Breslin for the all-important role of Helen the quick-tempered deaf and blind girl.Sounds like great casting, right?. Correct age. Big talent. Box-office draw.
Not so much say disabled advocates who think a deaf or blind actress should've been given a shot at the part.
"We do not think it's OK for reputable producers to cast this lead role without seriously considering an actress from our community," said Sharon Jensen of the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts.
Hmm...maybe. But, producers had a point too when they shot back with the old "we're trying to make a buck here, hon" argument.
"It's simply naïve to think that in this day and age, you'll be able to sell tickets to a play revival solely on the potential of the production to be a great show or on the potential for an unknown actress to give a breakthrough performance," said David Richtenthal. "I would consider it financially irresponsible to approach a major revival without making a serious effort to get a star."
All due respect to the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts and their noble cause, but, game, set, match Broadway phony. It's hard enough getting a play off the ground in good financial times. Try doing it during a recession.
You blind and deaf folks may know all about not being able to see or hear, but you don't know shit about the realities of casting for Broadway. Plus, it's not like it's that hard to play deaf and blind. Abigail can do it with her eyes closed and her ears plugged.
Er...
