"Little Miss Sunshine" to play Helen Keller on Broadway

Actress Abigail Breslin arrives at the world premiere of ''My Sister's Keeper'' in New York June 24, 2009.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Teenage actress Abigail Breslin, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in the movie comedy "Little Miss Sunshine," will play Helen Keller in her debut on Broadway next year.

Producer David Richenthal on Wednesday announced previews for the production of the William Gibson play, "The Miracle Worker," would start on February 12 next year at the Circle in the Square Theater with the opening set for March 3.

Alison Pill, who starred in the movie "Milk" as well as a list of Broadway shows, will play Keller's teacher Annie Sullivan.

Set in the South in the 1880s, "The Miracle Worker" tells the story of real-life Medal of Freedom winner Helen Keller, born blind and deaf, and the extraordinary teacher who taught her to communicate with the world, Annie Sullivan.

The play first appeared on Broadway 50 years ago starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke.

Breslin, 13, made her breakthrough at the age of 5 when she appeared in M. Night Shyamalan's 2002 film "Signs." She was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actress for her title role performance in the film comedy "Little Miss Sunshine."

Her other credits include "Raising Helen," "No Reservations," "Definitely Maybe," "Nim's Island," "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl," "My Sister's Keeper" and the current release, "Zombieland."

A website has been set up for the show www.miracleworkeronbroadway.com.

(Editing by Belinda Goldsmith and Bob Tourtellotte)