STATE STREET MIRACLES CONTINUE INSPIRING AS AMBASSADORS FOR THE MEDIA THEATRE

The Media Theatre's State Street Miracles, a performance troupe of adults with developmental disabilities, continue to spread the joy of music and dance while increasing awareness of the talents and abilities of people like themselves.

The Miracles started their Spring 2014 rehearsals at The Media Theatre on Saint Patrick's Day, donning green to celebrate the occasion. They'll continue rehearsing their repertoire for two months as they prepare to perform at local schools, clubs, or regional venues. They've been entertaining and inspiring for six years. 

The State Street Miracles are: (left to right) Front Row: Kimiko Iizuka of Middletown; Nakisha Edwards of Media; Brittany Roberts of Edgmont; Kim Watson of Middletown; Erin McGivney of Wayne; Maryjo D'Allesandro of Divine Providence Village. Second Row: Jake Spencer of Middletown; Ted Harris of Rose Valley; John Abrams of Swarthmore; Patrick Clark of Springfield; Peter Crumb of Media; and Brian Short of Middletown.

The Miracles have quite a list of performance credits. They have spread the joy of music as ambassadors to The Media Theatre at the Senate Russell Rotunda in Washington, D.C. and were honored in Harrisburg where they were recognized by the state Senate. They were featured on Philadelphia's WHYY and NBC 10, have showcased their abilities at several Delaware County Council meetings, and recently received a huge standing ovation at the swearing-in of Delaware County District Judges. They have also performed at Rose Tree Summer Festival, Pennsylvania Special Olympics Fall Festival at Villanova University, and several concerts and galas at The Media Theatre.

It's a common occurrence for The Miracles to receive standing ovations, as they inspire with songs like "Don't Stop Believin'", "We Are The World", and "That's What Friends Are For". Their musical theater selections include songs from "The King and I" and "The Sound of Music". Their finale often includes "God Bless America". 

Their performances are professional, yet spontaneous as they introduce themselves before performing allowing audiences to know they hold jobs, are members of clubs, and involved in things like Special Olympics.

The troupe is a part of The Media Theatre's educational and community outreach mission to provide opportunities for those with an interest in the performing arts while advancing their speech and articulation, increasing self-esteem, and providing for stronger independence and decision-making for each group member. While people with disabilities are more included today in the school and work environment, there are still many barriers preventing them from participating in the arts community. The Media Theatre, through the work of the professional music theatre organization known as Media Music Theatre Company, provides a bridge to performance opportunities.

The Miracles recently joined forces with Villanova University's a cappella singing group The Supernovas for a performace at Special Olympics. 

“We are happy to be able to showcase a group of performers like the State Street Miracles, who really demonstrate the pure joy of live performance,” said Jesse Cline, artistic director of the Media Theatre. “We are proud to have them as part of the Media Theatre family and they only strengthen our mission to nurture the joy, creativity and diversity unique to music theater. This group embodies the joy of music theater!”

Roger Ricker is their director, with Tim Haney accompanying on keyboard. Ellen Wineman is the Speech Therapist. 

The State Street Miracles are available to perform one or all of their songs at community functions. They are also available to open events with “God Bless America.” For information about the State Street Miracles, contact Trish Cofiell at 610-459-5498. You may also visit www.mediatheatre.org or contact The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100.