TUSCUMBIA-One of the longest running outdoor dramas in the South, “The Miracle Worker” continues to bring visitors from around the world to Tuscumbia.
William Gibson’s epic drama about the life of Helen Keller has been performed for the past 52 years on the grounds of Ivy Green, the Birthplace of Helen Keller. The state legislature has designated it as Alabama’s Official Outdoor Drama.
Performances begin at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through July 12. Gates open at 6:45 p.m.
Admission is $15 for reserved seats and $10 for general admission. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. Admission includes a tour of Ivy Green.
The play focuses on Anne Sullivan’s arrival at Ivy Green in 1887 to 
become a teacher and governess for the very wild and unruly 7-year-old Helen, who had been deaf and blind since she was 18 months old. The performance climaxes with Helen spelling w-a-t-e-r in Annie’s hand at the well pump. It was a breakthrough moment for Helen, who learned to spell 30 words before nightfall that day.
Helen went on to become the first deaf and blind person to graduate from college, an author, lecturer and inspiration to people with disabilities around the world. She is called America’s First Lady of Courage.
Susann Hamlin
Susann Hamlin, executive director of the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, said the annual performances of “The Miracle Worker” are among the most popular events in northwest Alabama.
“You can go anywhere in the world and mention Tuscumbia, Alabama and people know that it is the home of Helen Keller,” Hamlin said. “More than 45 years after her death, Helen Keller is still an inspiration to people the world over. We constantly have people from other countries coming to Tuscumbia to tour Ivy Green, to see ‘The Miracle Worker’ and to attend the Helen Keller Festival.”
This year’s Helen Keller Festival is June 23-29. It includes a parade and street party in downtown Tuscumbia at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 26, an arts and crafts show and live music at Spring Park in Tuscumbia Friday, June 27-Sunday June 29and other activities throughout the week including performances of the Miracle Worker on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28.
The headline musician at the festival is country music star Jo Dee Messina on Center Stage at Spring Park at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28.
For more information about “The Miracle Worker” call Ivy Green, the Birthplace of Helen Keller at 256-383-4066 or visitwww.helenkellerbirthplace.org. For more information about the Helen Keller Festival, call Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau at 256-383-0783 or visit www.helenkellerfestival.com.
