The Miracle Worker announces complete cast

Tobias Segal, Daniel Orsekes, Michael Cummings, Simone Joy Jones, Yvette Ganier and Lance Chantiles-Wertz complete the cast of the first revival of William Gibson's The Miracle Worker as the Tony Award-winning play celebrates its 50th Anniversary of opening on Broadway.

As previously announced The Miracle Worker, directed by Kate Whoriskey (Ruined), stars Abigail Breslin and Alison Pill as 'Helen Keller' and 'Annie Sullivan,' iconic roles made famous by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke in the Tony Award winning play and feature film adaptation. As well as Matthew Modine, Jennifer Morrison and Elizabeth Franz. Further casting will be announced in the near future.

The play opens at the Circle in the Square Theatre on 3 Mar 2010, following previews from 12 Feb and is selling tickets through to 1 Aug 2010.

The Miracle Worker is set in Alabama in the 1880's and tells the real life story of Helen Keller, a girl who at a very young age is left blind, deaf and dumb after surviving an attack of scarlett fever. Unable to communicate with the world the girl suffers fits of frustration which manifests itself in violent tantrums.

Her desperate parents seek help from the Perkins Institute' who send Annie Sullivan, a visually impaired young woman, to tutor Helen. Through kindness, persistence and forcefull stubborness, Annie finally breaks through the barriers that seperate the frustrated Helen from the rest of the world and teachers the girl a method by which she can communicate with the people around her.

The original Broadway production of The Miracle Worker played from 19 Oct 1959 - 1 Jul 1961 at the Playhouse Theatre. That production, directed by Arthur Penn, starred Anne Bancroft as 'Annie Sullivan' and Patty Duke as 'Helen Keller.' The production won four 1960 Tony Awards: Best Play; Best Director; Best Actress in a Play (Anne Bancroft) and Best Stage Technician (John Walters).

The play was made into a succesful 1962 movie - also directed by Arthur Penn and which also starried Anne Bancroft as 'Annie Sullivan.' and Patty Duke as 'Helen Keller.' The movie won two Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role (Anne Bancroft) and Best actress in a supporting role (Patty Duke).

Bios.

Tobias Segal (James) is making his Broadway debut. Last season, he played roles in 'The Cherry Orchard' and 'A Winter's Tale' in Sam Mendes' Bridge Project (BAM, Old Vic, European and Asian Tour.) Off Broadway, Segal appeared in 'From Up Here' at MTC and 'Doris to Darlene' at Playwrights Horizons. Regional credits in Denver and Philadelphia include 'Equus' (Barrymore Award). Film and television: 'Rocky Balboa,' 'New Year Parade' (Slamdance Grand Jury Prize), "Medium," "Law & Order," "Law & Order SVU."

Daniel Oreskes (Doctor/Anagnos) originated the role of 'Big Davey' in 'Billy Elliot.' Other recent credits include 'Theseus' in 'Midsummer Night's Dream' (Public), 'Jupiter' in 'Cymbeline' (Lincoln Center). Film: 'The Thomas Crown Affair,' 'Devil's Advocate.' TV: "The Sopranos," "Waterfront," "Third Watch," "Law and Order."

Michael Cummings (Percy) appeared on Broadway in the Lincoln Center Theatre's production of 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone.' Off-Broadway credits include 'Ty Jones's Emancipation,' 'Radha Blank's seed' (Classical Theatre of Harlem) and 'A Single Winters Day' (Concordia Conservatory). TV: "One Life to Live," "Late Show with David Letterman," "Sesame Street."

Simone Joy Jones (Martha) is making her Broadway debut. She is a 10 year old native of Greensboro, NC who enjoys reading, writing, singing, dancing and acting, and grateful for the opportunity to do what she loves on stage.

Yvette Ganier (Viney) won a 2002 OBIE in 'Breath Boom' at Playwrights Horizons. Ganier, noted for her work with August Wilson, created 'Black Mary' in 'Gem of the Ocean.' She created 'Rena' in 'Jitney' performing in NY and London. Ganier appeared as 'Tonya' in 'King Hedley II' at the Goodman and went on to work on the Broadway production.

Lance Chantiles-wertz (Jimmie) is making his Broadway Debut. Off-Broadway he has appeared in 'The Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd.' He has been in New York City Ballet production of 'The Nutcracker' (Prince) and 'Mother Goose.'