TUSCUMBIA– The story that changed the world is once again taking center stage in
Tuscumbia, Alabama. The 64th annual production of The Miracle Worker returns to the outdoor
stage at Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller, where audiences can experience the powerful
story just steps from where it really happened.
The play follows Helen’s early life, from the illness that left her deaf and blind to the life-
changing moment when she connected with her teacher, Anne Sullivan. The show’s most
unforgettable scene takes place at the well pump, where Helen spells “w-a-t-e-r” into Sullivan’s
hand as water pours over them. That breakthrough opened the door to a new world and
forever changed Helen’s future.
Caroline Self, longtime director of The Miracle Worker, says this season is one to watch.
“Season 64 of The Miracle Worker at Ivy Green is shaping up to be one you don’t want to miss.
Anna Bond Kelley is returning as Annie Sullivan this year and continues to blow us away with
her deep and nuanced portrayal of Helen Keller’s teacher. I have seen and worked with many
Annies over the years. I also portrayed the role myself. Anna raises the bar to a new level.”
This year brings a new face to the role of Helen Keller. Mary John Alexander will take on the
part, with guidance from Lillie Meyer, who played Helen for the past three seasons.
“We have many veterans in the cast who continue to grow in their roles,” says Self, “but we
have a new Helen this year. Lillie is helping to train Mary John in this difficult role.”
Over the past two seasons, the cast and crew have worked to share the real story of Helen and
Annie with a wider audience through social media.
“Our content has gotten more than ten million views in the last month,” says Self. “We’ve been
able to give people a look behind the scenes and clear up some of the misinformation that has
spread about Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. We hope folks will follow along on Facebook,
Instagram, and TikTok to learn more about the production and the real history behind it.”
The Miracle Worker is recognized as the Official Outdoor Drama of Alabama and has been
named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. The play continues to inspire
audiences of all ages with its themes of perseverance, communication, and belief in the
impossible.
Performances begin at 8:00 p.m. and take place on the following dates:
June 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 and July 11, 12, 18, 19.
Gates open at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are $20 for reserved seating and $15 for general admission.
“For those of us involved with The Miracle Worker, Ivy Green is a second home,” says Self. “This
season, we have a cast of veterans. Some of us have grown up at Ivy Green and played different
roles along the way. All of us have fallen in love with this special place and this incredible story.
It is our privilege to share it. We hope it changes the lives of our audience members the way it
has changed ours.”
Susann Hamlin, President and CEO of Colbert County Tourism, says the long-running production
continues to be a cornerstone for the region.
“We are proud to support this powerful play and the people who bring it to life each summer,”
says Hamlin. “The Miracle Worker draws visitors from all over the world and connects them to
the incredible legacy of Helen Keller in a way that’s personal and unforgettable.”
To purchase tickets or learn more, call 256-383-4066 or visit helenkellerbirthplace.org. You can
also follow @miracleworkerplay on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for cast updates and
behind-the-scenes content.
The 64th Annual Production of William Gibson’s
THE MIRACLE WORKER at Ivy Green
CAST LIST (in order of appearance)
A Doctor…………………………………………………………………………….WILLIAM FREEMAN
Kate Keller……………………………………………………………………. STEPHANIE CROTHERS
Capt. Arthur Keller………………………………………………………………… JONATHAN MOORE
Helen Keller…………………………………………………………………..MARY JOHN ALEXANDER
Martha ……………………………………………………………………………………ROLAN QUALLS
Percy………………………………………………………………………………..MAKAYLA WILLIAMS
Aunt Ev………………………………………………………………………….ELIZABETH RAGSDALE
James Keller……………………………………………………………………………………….TYLER HUDSON
Anagnos…………………………………………………………………………….SPENCER CANTRELL
Annie Sullivan……………………………………………………………………..ANNA BOND KELLEY
Viney………………………………………………………………………………..SHONNA BECKWITH
Blind Children at Perkins School…………………………………………….CLARA BETH BONDS
MADDIE BRADFORD, ADLEY REA BURCHELL, ZOE GREEN,
KENSINGTON ANN GRIGSBY, THEA LOGAN, AMELIA ROSE MARKS,
JO MCCANN, SAVANNAH MIERKEY, BROOKS SIMONS,
KINSLEY SIMONS, NORA SPARKS, KENNEDY TAYLOR
Belle……………………………………………………………………………………HUGO RAGSDALE
Visual Storytellers (6/27-6/28 Only) ……………………………………………RHONDA NESMITH
SANDRA SCHMIDT
UNDERSTUDIES
For Annie Sullivan – MARTHA CAROLINE POWELL; for Helen Keller – NORA SPARKS; for Kate
Keller – ABIGAIL JOHNSON; for James Keller – RADFORD SCOTT; for Aunt Ev – LANELLE
SIMONS; for Anagnos – WILLIAM FREEMAN; for Belle – CHAZ BECKWITH
CREATIVE TEAM AND CREW
Director………………………………………………………………………………….CAROLINE SELF
Assistant Director………………………………………………………………… LAURA RINGNELL
Technical Director…………………………………………………………………. ANDREW MAPLES
Scenic Designer………………………………………………………..DR. DAVID K. RUEBHAUSEN
Stage Manager…………………………………………………………………….WILLIAM FREEMAN
Helen Coach………………………………………………………………………………LILLIE MEYER
Assistant Technical Director………………………………………………………..CODY WOODFIN
Stage Crew………………………………..AMBER ANGLIN, KRISTEN SOUTH, CHARLEE MCCANN
Tech Crew……………………………………………………………….LILLIE MEYER, HANA MEYERS
Landscapes by………………………………………………………SHOALS MASTER GARDENERS
Production Photographer………………………………………………………………MARY CARTON
Media Release/Maryanne Floyd
Director of Communications
Colbert County Tourism/Photos Quad Cities Daily
