*
Abigail Breslin has quite a hefty resume for an actress of any age, let alone for one who will celebrate her 14th birthday this spring. At the age of ten, Breslin became one of the youngest actresses in history to be nominated for an Academy Award, for her role in 2006's "Little Miss Sunshine," and she has starred alongside some of Hollywood's biggest names, including Jodie Foster, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Mel Gibson. She now takes on one of the most iconic women in American history, Helen Keller, in the revival of The Miracle Worker, at Circle in the Square. Breslin, who is making her Broadway debut, took Playbill along on her first day of previews.
Morning:
When I wake up in the morning I eat cereal on the couch and cuddle with my dog for a bit before heading off to the gym for a quick run. I like to get to the gym before going to the theatre to get my energy up. After the gym, I head home for a quick shower and then I'm off to the theatre!
Afternoon: They would like us get to the theatre on time for rehearsals, so I try to arrive early so I can always be on time. Heading towards the theatre, it's hard to believe I'm really on Broadway! This is the ultimate New York experience. I am both really nervous and tremendously excited. I really want the audience to enjoy the show and to honor the memory of Helen Keller. Helen is such an inspiration to me. She is an American heroine and I am more than honored to have the opportunity to play her. It has been hard playing a character with no text and to be purely physical, but she had such a huge personality, so I have a lot to draw from. The cast has also been so supportive. Matthew [Modine] has been amazing. He's collaborative and funny. It is very hard to feel any stress around him because he is such a positive person.
Our rehearsals last from 1 PM to 5:30 PM and then we have a dinner break until 7 PM. I'm having so much fun trying different restaurants in the theatre district! Right now my favorites are Tony's and The Palm.
Showtime:
To prepare for the show I do my own makeup for each performance. I have someone help me with my hair as I am wearing a wig in the show. After my makeup and hair is done, the dresser comes and helps me get dressed. I have about three outfit changes during the performance. I have had so much fun during rehearsals and my first preview that I cannot wait for opening night! I'm excited, nervous, overwhelmed, and humbled all at once!
