TUSCUMBIA – Anyone planning to see “The Miracle Worker” play at Ivy Green this year, might want to order tickets early.
The Atlanta-based Southeast Tourism Society has named “The Miracle Worker” at Ivy Green as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast for June 2017. The William Gibson drama about the early life of Helen Keller, which has been performed at Keller’s childhood home for the past 55 years. It is Alabama’s official Outdoor Drama.
This year’s performances will on Friday and Saturday nights June 2-July 8.
Sue Pilkilton, executive director of Ivy Green, said this year was already shaping up to be a banner season for “The Miracle Worker”. The Top 20 event designation will mean larger crowds.
“We’ve already been getting calls from people all over the country wanting to buy tickets. This is the earliest we have ever had people calling for tickets,” Pilkilton said. “Now with it being named a top event in the Southeast, we are probably going to see our biggest crowds ever.”
Darren J. Butler, director of the play, said people from around the world schedule their vacation around seeing a performance of “The Miracle Worker” at Helen Keller’s home.
Keller, who was born June 27, 1880 in Tuscumbia, overcame being deaf and blind to become an author, lecturer, humanitarian and inspiration for people with disabilities worldwide. She was known as America’s First Lady of Courage.
Susann Hamlin, CEO of Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, said the Top 20 honor for “The Miracle Worker” at Ivy Green will be a boom for tourism in the Shoals. She said people who come to Tuscumbia to see the play will visit other attractions in the area.
Colbert County Tourism nominated “The Miracle Worker” for consideration as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast. In 2016, the Oka Kapassa, Return to Coldwater and It’s a Dickens Christmas Y’all festivals were named Top 20 Events in the Southeast after being nominated by Colbert Tourism.
The Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Festival and Event Awards have highlighted top programs in the Southeast since 1985. Travel industry experts select 20 events per month and the Southeast Tourism 
Society publicizes them throughout the United States. To be considered for the awards, an event must be at least three years old and have an attendance of at least 1,000.
“The Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Festival and Event list is an excellent guide for the Southeast’s visitors, residents and travel writers. The events selected represent the best, and often most unique, activities in our region,” said Bill Hardman, president and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society.
Tickets for this year’s performances of “The Miracle Worker” at $15 for reserved seats and $10 general admission. Admission includes a tour of the home and grounds at Ivy Green. Gates open at 6:45 p.m. and the play begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at Ivy Green, with a credit card by calling 256-383-4066 or by mailing a check or money order to, Ivy Green, 300 N. Commons St. W., Tuscumbia, AL, 35674.
