Media Theatre’s State Street Miracles Perform in Washington DC

The Media Theatre’s State Street Miracles, a performance troupe of 14 adults with intellectual disabilities, will spread the joy of music and dance while increasing awareness of the talents and abilities of people with disabilities when they perform in Washington, D.C. on March 22.

They will be the guests of U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan in recognition of March as Intellectual Disability Awareness Month. Their performance in the Senate’s Russell Rotunda at noon Friday, March 22, was also arranged through U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey.

“I’ve seen the Miracles perform and I am pleased to be able to have them come to the nation’s Capital to showcase their talents and to raise awareness,” said U.S. Rep. Meehan. “Not only are these adults talented performers, but all of the members are registered voters and they all work and volunteer in their communities.”

The Miracles are ambassadors in song who use their vocal and dance talents to show that people with disabilities have many abilities. Their performances are professional, yet spontaneous as the Miracles introduce themselves and perform a repertoire of songs from show tunes to modern hits including the Journey song, “Don’t Stop Believin’.”         

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, the Media Theatre’s annual gala, 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. They have been featured on Philadelphia’s WHYY and NBC 10.

The troupe, which is sponsored by the Media Theatre, includes 14 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 more included 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!”

Members of the State Street Miracles are: John Abrams of Swarthmore, Patrick Clark of Springfield, Peter Crumb of Upper Providence, Maryjo D’Allesandro and Louise Kubicek of Divine Providence Village, Springfield, Ted Harris of Rose Valley, Erin McGivney of Wayne, Brian Short, Jake Spencer, Kimiko Iizuka and Kim Watson, all of Middletown; Brittany Roberts of Edgmont; Brad Wallgren of Marple and Steve Snyder of an Elwyn residence in West Chester. Roger Ricker is their director, with Tim Haney accompanying on keyboard.

During their introductions, the members tell a bit about themselves including their jobs and athletic accomplishments, and they stress that they are registered voters.

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, contact Trish Cofiell at 610-459-5498. You may also visit www.mediatheatre.org

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