The State Street Miracles, a performance troupe of 13 adults with developmental disabilities, continue to spread the joy of music and dance while increasing awareness of the talents and abilities of people with disabilities.
They will perform as part of a special concert titled “Don’t Stop Believin’” at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, where they share the Media Theatre stage with professional performers, Media Theatre educators and the newly formed performance choir, The Glee Experience. Tickets are $10 available at the theater box office, 610-891-0100.
All proceeds from the Dec. 4 concert will benefit the Media Theatre’s educational programs.
Since they were organized in September, 2006, the State Street Miracles have earned standing ovations for many performances, including at the Rose Tree Summer Festival and the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Fall Festival at Villanova University. They’ve also traveled to Harrisburg where they were recognized by the State Senate and performed in the Rotunda.
The troupe, which is sponsored by the Media Theatre with support from The Boeing Company and Genuardi’s, features 13 adults who have various developmental disabilities, but love to sing, dance and perform. The emphasis at Monday night rehearsals goes beyond performing. Since they joined the group, all members have experienced improved speech and articulation, better independence and decision-making, increased self-esteem, and most importantly, they’ve formed friendships with their fellow performers, the Media Theater staff, and members of the overall community.
Their repertoire includes a rousing rendition of “God Bless America,” a meaningful version of “Getting to Know You,” their theme song, and a hip-shaking version of Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog.” The group enjoys singing “Lean On Me,” which communicates an inspiring message of support for each other.
The mission of the State Street Miracles is to provide people with disabilities an outlet to express their musical and artistic talent while raising awareness in the community of the creative abilities of people who have a developmental disability.
While people with disabilities are included more today in the school and work environment, there are still many barriers preventing them from participating in the arts community. The Media Theatre, a professional music theater, provides a bridge to performance opportunities.
The State Street Miracles are taught in weekly sessions that provide them with affordable access to performance classes, plus the opportunity to perform.
“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!”
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, call Trish Cofiell at 610-459-5498.
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