Prime Stage Opens ‘The Miracle Worker’ at New Hazlett; Hispanic Chamber’s Day of The Dead Celebration at Braddock’s Rebellion (Fri., 11/3/23)

THE MIRACLE WORKER (drama) by William Gibson. Prime Stage Theatre. November 3 – 12.

Kendall Knotts, left, (portraying Helen Keller) and Holland Taylor, right (plays Annie Sullivan) in Prime stage’s production of ‘The Miracle Worker.’

1) The 1950s were a golden age for theater based on real events and people. Winners of the Tony Award for Best Play included The Crucible (Salem witch trials), Sunrise at Campobello (about FDR), and The Diary of Anne Frank. Then, late in 1959, a play premiered that would receive the 1960 Tony and have enduring theatrical impact: William Gibson’s The Miracle Worker. Adapted from the autobiography of Helen Keller, it focuses on the dramatic period when young Helen was turned from an unruly, destructive child to someone capable of achieving great things despite being deaf and blind. The title character—the  woman who made that miracle happen— was Helen’s teacher, Annie Sullivan. The Miracle Worker is at times stormy and even violent, as in the famous table-manners scene (played with extreme gusto in the movie version). But it’s also a profoundly moving play that has more than stood the test of time. Prime Stage Theatre presents The Miracle Worker with Holland Adele Taylor as Annie Sullivan and 5th grader Kendall Knotts—already an experienced performer, and one who knows ASL—as Helen Keller. 7:30 p.m. At the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East, North Side. (M.V.)

2) The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Braddock’s Rebellion at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel are combining efforts to bring back the Annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in Pittsburgh. This evening from 6 to 9 p.m. at Braddock’s Rebellion in the Lobby of the beautiful Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel. Attendees will enjoy traditional cuisine including three empanada tastings from Braddock’s Rebellion Executive Chef Nick Saxon with a celebratory “Raise a Spirit to the Spirit” Patron Tequila Cocktail. There will be roving fashions and statement head floral pieces designed by Virginia Nicoll-Hernandez and Olesya Nova in celebration of the Hispanic tradition. Izzazu Salon, Spa & Blowout Bar will be there with face painting, and the festivities are all set to the sounds and ambiance of Latin American Music by DJ Diago. There is also a meet and greet with Alison Zapata who is a part of the Mexico to Pittsburgh Artisan Exchange. Zapata will be showcasing her beautiful mural at DDLM. The Hispanic population and businesses are an increasing part of Pittsburgh’s vibrancy. This is a welcoming celebration for all, much like St. Patrick’s Day for both Irish and non-Irish. A percentage of the proceeds will aid the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation Scholarship Fund. This initiative is aimed to provide academic scholarships to deserving local Hispanic students for trade, college, and graduate programs. DDLM is sponsored by Citizen’s Bank and Performance Food Service. For tickets and more information visit the Annual Día de los Muertos celebration web page. 107 6th St, Downtown.

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