Photo Flash: 'The Miracle Worker' at Paper Mill Playhouse

Paper Mill Playhouse's mainstage production of The Miracle Worker began performances January 23, 2008, with an Opening Night scheduled for January 27 at 7:30PM, to continue through February 24, 2008 at the Millburn Theatre.  There are three added student matinee performances on February 6, 13 and 14 at 11AM. The Miracle Worker is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

"Before Helen Keller became a world famous speaker, author, and advocate, she was a blind, deaf, and mostly mute child living in Alabama in the 1880's. Misunderstood, pitied, and consequently spoiled by her family, at the age of six she terrorized the household with her tantrums and tricks. Then, Anne Sullivan arrived. She was merely twenty years old herself, but Anne held the key that would unlock the door between Helen and the world," explain press notes, "William Gibson's Tony Award-winning play (adapted into the Academy Award-winning film) unfolds the trials and tribulations Anne and Helen encountered as they forged what would become a 49-year-long friendship. From their isolation in the family cottage house to the watershed moment when Helen finally understood the concept of language and communication, The Miracle Worker is a profoundly moving retelling of the groundbreaking work of two pioneers, as well as the volatile relationship between them."

The Miracle Worker plays the following performance schedule: Wednesdays at 7:30PM, Thursdays at 2:00PM & 7:30PM, Fridays at 8:00PM, Saturdays at 2:00PM & 8:00PM and Sundays at 2:00PM & 7:30PM. 

Single tickets are now on sale and range in price from $25 to $92.  Student rush tickets are $20 and are available the day of performance in person with current student ID. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973-376-4343, or at the Paper Mill Box Office on Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org.  Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted.  Groups of ten or more can receive up to a 25% discount on tickets and student groups can attend any performance for only $20 per ticket. 

Annika Boras, a regional theater favorite, makes her Paper Mill debut as the determined Anne Sullivan. Ms. Boras has starred in productions at ART-Boston, Arcola Theater, North Shore Musical Theater and Playhouse 91. Most recently Ms. Boras appeared on the season finale of "Law & Order" as Trina Bailey.  

Playing the role of Helen Keller are two remarkable young women, Meredith Lipson and Lily Maketansky (New Jersey resident). Meredith was recently seen on Broadway as Little Mette in the original cast of Festen.  In addition to Meredith's national commercials and television work (including the "Conan O'Brien Show"), she was featured as Molly in both the national tour and Walnut Street Theatre's productions of Annie. Lily was featured at the New York Shakespeare Festival in A Midsummer's Night Dream and an episode of NBC's "Law & Order."

The Miracle Worker is directed by Susan Fenichell.  The design team for The Miracle Worker includes Scenic and Costume Designer David Zinn; Lighting Design is by Mary Louise Geiger; Hair and Wig Design is by Chuck LaPointe and Sound Design is by Randy Hansen. The Production Stage Manager is Jennifer Grutza.

For more information visit www.papermill.org.

Photos by Gerry Goodstein
Meredith Lipson in the role of Helen Keller