A tale of human nature and unadulterated self-interest.
Stageworks Theatre presents its seventh show of the season,The Elephant Man, by Bernard Pomerance. Directed by Debra Shultz, the show runs June 9 - July 2, 2017. Tickets are now on sale for this gripping story.
Set in late 19th century London, The Elephant Man is the story of John Merrick, a man living with horrifying, rare skin and bone diseases. Seen as a freak by society, his life changes when young physician, Frederick Treves, agrees to care for him. Merrick quickly becomes a favorite of the English aristocracy-an acceptance that comes with a heavy price.
Shultz recalls her experience in The Elephant Man during college.
"Having been cast in a minor role in the show, I fell in love with the play. However, as I got older, I realized that I had not fully understood the piece at the time-partially because I was 20-years old, and partially, because it was presented as a tender story of a poor, lost man. Now, I see that The Elephant Man isn't that at all. It is the story of an extremely deformed man, Joseph Merrick, who earns a meager living by putting himself on display in a side show. Safety comes to him through a sympathetic doctor, who gives him a room, but simply puts him back into a freak show. Although the patrons of the 'freak show' represent the height of London high society, they come to gawk all the same. This darkness of intent elevates The Elephant Man from simply being a tender play to clearly voicing an uncomfortable commentary on human nature and unadulterated self-interest.
"Approaching the play this way, Merrick may be the only redeemable character in the whole piece-everyone else is out for themselves and only themselves. I hope that audiences embrace this darker, and potentially, more sinister approach to The Elephant Man and allow it to inspire discussion on who is truly benefitting from help when it is offered."
In front of the curtain the actors include, Chad Dyer (John Merrick), Bryan Maynard (Frederick Treves), Adrian Collinson (Carr Gomm), Scott Reeves (Ross/Bishop How), Kevyn Eddy (Conductor/Snork), Adam Harkay (Policeman/Porter), Kalin Black (Mrs. Kendal), Jonathan Rozas (Pinhead Manager/Lord Samford), A'Rhyan Samford (Pinhead #1), Lindsay Scovil (Pinhead #2/Princess), Laura Price (Pinhead #3/Princess Alexandra), and Patti Lozano (Nurse Sandwich/Countess).
Behind the curtain, the production team includes Debra Shultz (director), Amber Stepanik (costume design), Lisa Garza (set design), Michael Montgomery (artistic director), David Dean (sound design), Ron Putterman (lighting design), and Chris Gibson (production manager).
Performances of The Elephant Man will take place at Stageworks Theatre on The Garza Mainstage located at 10760 Grant Rd. Houston, Texas, 77070. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at stageworkstx.org or by phone at 281-587-6100. Special pricing is available for groups of 10 or more.
Performance Location:
Stageworks Theatre
Garza Mainstage
10760 Grant Road, Houston, TX 77070
(Located in NW Houston, easily accessible from SH 249 and SH 290)
Performances:
Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.
Ticket Prices:
Adults: $25
Seniors (65+): $22
Students (3-18): $17
