Meet the cast of the 63rd ‘Miracle Worker’ play
“The Miracle Worker” play on the grounds of the Helen Keller birthplace, Ivy Green, is now in its 63rd season.
Though the play may be familiar with many residents if The Shoals, this year’s main cast does have a few differences.
Anna Bond Kelley, who has played Kate Keller the past two seasons, is ow performing as Anne Sullivan, Helen’s teacher.
According to the “meet the cast” section of the play website, Kelley is thrilled to portray Annie Sullivan in this year’s production. Other theatrical credits include Kate Keller in “The Miracle Worker,” Annie in “Annie,” Babette in “Beauty and the Beast,” Lucy Grant in “Bright Star,” and Denise in “Smoke on the Mountain.” Anna will soon graduate from Athens State University with a degree in Elementary Education. She gives glory to God, and thanks her husband and family for their continuous love and support.
With Kelley playing Anne Sullivan, Stephanie Crothers steps into the role of Kate Keller.
According to the website, she is appearing on the Ivy Green stage for the first time, and she is so excited to be taking on the role of Kate Keller.
Stephanie began performing as a dancer at the age of 5 and later studied acting in her hometown of Los Angeles at the University of Southern California. Theatrical credits include Lt. Commander Joanne Galloway in “A Few Good Men” at the Shoals Theater; Mrs. Daldry in Sarah Ruhl’s Tony Award-winning play “In The Next Room, Or The Vibrator Play;” Judy in “The Solder Dreams;” Gossamer Beynon & Mrs. Cherry Owens in Dylan Thomas’s “Under Milkwood,” and Beatrice in Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.”
She has also appeared in commercials for brands like Toyota, DirectTV and AT&T. When not on stage, Stephanie is a professional mural and scenic painter and teaches ballroom dance at Florence’s local ballroom dance studio, Dare 2 Dance.
Two main cast members reprising their roles are Lillie Meyer, who is playing young Helen for the third year, and Jonathan Moore, who is in his 12th season and once again bringing Capt. Keller to life.
“Lillie is excited to return for her third year portraying Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker,” according to the site. “She always has been inspired by Helen’s story and is grateful for the honor of bringing it to life on stage. Lillie would like to thank the cast and crew for their ongoing guidance and love. A special thank you to (director) Caroline Self and (assistant director) Laura Connolly for trusting her to represent the courage of Helen Keller.”
Moore is “thrilled to play the role of Captain in this year’s production. Moore serves as worship pastor at First Baptist Church of Colbert Heights in Tuscumbia. Jonathan would like to dedicate this season’s performance to his wife, Gina, his son, Grey, and twin daughters, Madelyn and Ellyn.”
Self is directing “The Miracle Worker” for the fifth year. She has appeared as a Blind Child, Helen Keller (three seasons), Annie Sullivan (four seasons) and Kate Keller (two seasons) in past productions.
Visit www.themiracleworker.info for full cast listing.
