Interview: Meet the Cast of ‘The Miracle Worker’ at Rockville Little Theatre. Part 1: Meredith Abramson

In a series of interviews with the cast of Rockville Little Theatre’s The Miracle Worker, meet Meredith Abramson:

Joel: Please introduce yourself and tell our readers where they may have seen you perform on the stage before. What roles did you play in these shows?

Meredith Abramson. Photo courtesy of Rockville Little Theatre.

My name is Meredith Abramson and I am 10 years old. I am in 5th grade at Rachel Carson Elementary School in Gaithersburg. This past fall I was in Rockville Musical Theatre’s production of Shrek the Musical. I played young Fiona and Baby Bear. Last spring, I played a Nibelung in the Washington National Opera’s production of The Ring of the Nibelung. I’ve loved musical theater ever since I can remember. I’m excited to be in my very first play.

Why did you want to be part of the cast of The Miracle Worker?

I didn’t really know much about The Miracle Worker as a play, but I learned about Helen Keller in school so I thought it would be really fun to play her. I had to work hard to imagine what it would be like to not be able to see or hear.

Who do you play in the show? How do you relate to him or her? What traits do you share? Does this character remind you of a similar character that you have played before?

I play Helen Keller. I relate to her because I’m a young girl just like her and I don’t like when I don’t get my way either. I don’t think anybody likes that. Whenever I get angry now, my mom tells me to remember how I feel because Helen must have felt like that but even more.

In a way, Helen is a lot like young Fiona in Shrek because Fiona was stuck in her tower all alone until Shrek saved her, and Helen is stuck in her own world until Annie saves her. Once they are saved, both of them become the people they are meant to be.

What is The Miracle Worker about from the point of view of your character?

From Helen’s point of view, this show is about learning to communicate with the world.

What challenges have you had preparing for the role, and how did Director Laura Andruski help you through these challenges? What was the best advice she gave you on how to play your role?

I was having a lot of trouble with the sounds and noises that Helen makes. Laura told me to put myself in Helen’s place and she asked me what sounds would I make if I was all alone in a little world like Helen. That helped me imagine what it would be like to be Helen and it also helped me figure out the type of frustration and hurt noises that Helen might make.

What is your favorite line or lines that your character says, and what is your favorite line that someone else says in the show?

My character does not have any lines, but my favorite lines are spoken by the character James. I especially like the line, “Over my dead chair.” It’s funny!

What does The Miracle Worker have to say to today’s audiences?

Never give up and if you try really hard you can do anything. Whenever I have a challenge now, I think about Helen and the challenges she overcame.

If you could change what happens to your character, what would you like to see happening to your character at the end of the play?

I would not change anything. Of course it would be nice if Helen was able to see or hear but that would have changed who she was and all that she gave to the world

Why should local theatergoers come and see The Miracle Worker?

It’s an extraordinary story. Kids will really like it because it is about a girl who has to work really hard to overcome her challenges. Just like in school, you have to do your best if you want to get better. Helen will help them see that anyone can accomplish great things if they set their mind to it.

What advice would you give a young actor who is preparing to play your role in his/her school production of The Miracle Worker?

Always put yourself in the character’s shoes. Make lots of noises.

What’s next for you on the stage?

I’m not sure. I have to wait and see what comes along next.

The Miracle Worker plays on weekends from February 3 through 12, 2017 at Rockville Little Theatre performing at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre – 603 Edmonston Drive, in Rockville, MD. For tickets, call the box office at (240) 314-8690, or purchase them online.

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Joel Markowitz
Joel Markowitz is the Publisher and Editor of DCMetroTheaterArts. He founded the site with his brother Bruce to help promote the vast riches of theatre and the arts in the DC Metro area that includes Maryland, Virginia, and DC theater and music venues, universities, schools, Children's theaters, professional, and community theatres. Joel is an advocate for promoting the 'stars of the future' in his popular 'Scene Stealers' articles. He wrote a column for 5 years called ‘Theatre Schmooze’ and recorded podcast interviews for DC Theatre Scene. His work can also be seen and read on BroadwayStars. Joel also wrote a monthly preview of what was about to open in DC area theatres for BroadwayWorld. He is an avid film and theater goer, and a suffering Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan. Joel was a regular guest on 'The Lunch and Judy Show' radio program starring Judy Stadt in NYC. Joel founded The Ushers Theatre Going Group in the DC area in 1990, which had a 25-year run when it took its final curtain call last year. Joel is a proud member of The American Critics Association.

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