Deaf And Blind Advocacy Groups Oppose Abigail Breslin's Casting As Helen Keller

October 30, 2009 11:32 a.m. EST

New York, NY (CNS) - The casting of child actor Abigail Breslin in the lead role for the Broadway revival "The Miracle Worker" is upsetting several blind and deaf advocacy groups, who said a deaf actress, and not a hearing one, should take Helen Keller's role.

On Wednesday, producers have announced that the 13-year-old "Little Miss Sunshine" star will be playing deafblind icon Helen Keller in the revival of the Broadway drama.

This does not sit well with advocacy groups.

Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts executive director Sharon Jensen told New York Times that they do not think it's acceptable to cast the lead role without "seriously considering an actress from our community."

Lead producer David Richenthal admitted he wanted an actress who is already a star to revive the William Gibson play because that's the only way to make money on Broadway these days.

He added that he and director Kate Whoriskey are planning to audition deaf or blind actresses to be Breslin's understudy. They would also hire sign language interpreters for the auditions of the deaf actresses.

But if there wasn't any deaf or blind actress right for the part, he would cast a hearing and seeing actress in the role.

"The Miracle Worker" will be staged at the Circle in the Square Theater and will open on March 3, with previews kicking off on February 12.