MEDIA THEATRE'S THE MIRACLE WORKER TO BENEFIT TWO AREA SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND

If Helen Keller were a student today in the Philadelphia region she would have her choice of two outstanding schools -- Overbrook School for the Blind in Philadelphia and Royer-Greaves School for the Blind in Paoli. Helen's story and struggles to learn from her governess Annie Sullivan come into sharp focus in Media Theatre's The Miracle Worker. The classic play by William Gibson opens for previews Wednesday, January 28.  The drama follows Media's new tradition of placing a classic play within its annual Broadway Series schedule. Artistic Director Jesse Cline has chosen a play that has much educational and historic value. The region's two historic schools for the blind, dating back to 1832 and 1921, will receive a $2 donation for every ticket sold during The Miracle Worker's run in February.

Jennie Eisenhower as Annie Sullivan and Lexi Gwynn as Helen Keller in The Media Theatre's "The Miracle Worker"

A professional cast of Actors Equity Association union members will bring the show to life, led by 12-year-old Lexi Gwynn of Malvern as Helen Keller and Jennie Eisenhower of Philadelphia as Annie Sullivan. Lexi Gwynn is a New School student at The Media Theatre who becomes a union member with this production. Eisenhower, well known to Media audiences and throughout the Philadelphia region, is a Barrymore Award winner and was just named 2014 Broadway World/Philadelphia Best Actress in a Musical and Best Supporting Actress in a Play.

$2 from every ticket purchased for performances February 1 through 8 will benefit the Overbrook School. The following week, $2 from tickets purchased February 9 through 15 will benefit Royer-Greaves. The Media Theatre is offering a special Family Pack -- four tickets for $100 -- for any Miracle Worker matinee or evening show.

For tickets to “The Miracle Worker” at The Media Theatre, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

About Overbrook School for the Blind

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a variety of programs for children of different ages and abilities. Since 1832, Overbrook has been developing and delivering education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairment and other challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives. In addition to a full academic program, Overbrook students receive special training and participate in different activities that are important to the development of children who are blind or visually impaired. This includes orientation and mobility, daily living skills, assistive technology, music, art and a full sports program.

About Royer-Greaves School for the Blind

Dr. Jesse Royer Greaves, an educator who recognized that many blind children were being denied an education, founded Royer-Greaves School for Blind (RGS) in 1921.  For more than 90 years RGS has benefited students and adults requiring more intensive individualized attention and training for intellectual and physical disabilities.   Specialized academics and robust programs for vision impairments and special education include modern assistive technology to support the students/ clients in their classrooms and daily lives, as well music therapy, occupational and speech therapy, physical education, and orientation and mobility as well as horseback riding.  Our goal is to enable our students and adults to have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

(Feature by Marsha Peltz, Publicist)