"Little Miss Sunshine" Oscar nominee, Abigail Breslin will headline the 50th Anniversary revival of "Miracle Worker" on Broadway in the Spring. This will be the 13 year old's Broadway debut but not the first time she realizes what "water" is.
Upon the casting announcement, an instant out-cry was heard from the community of deaf and blind actors. A spokesman said that the producers should have seriously considered a disabled actor first. The producer for the show shot back by saying "I would consider it financially irresponsible to approach a major revival without making a serious effort to get a star." while also saying he would consider a disabled actor for the understudy.
The original production starred Patty Duke who also went on to star in the film (and won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress - 1962). Patty Duke is not deaf or blind, but was pretending to be when she played the role.
But seriously, is the casting of Breslin being blown out of proportion or is the Producer out of line? When a play or movie is about a War Veteran should it actually be played by an actor who fought in a war? When the lead role is supposed to have red hair, is it ethically wrong to have a blond actress in a red wig?
Hmmmmm....
Abigail Breslin doesn't care though... she's going to be on Broadway, ya'll! Here's hoping she does better than this actress...
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