|
ANDREWS LIVING ARTS joins an elite few local theatre companies who dared to bring THE ELEPHANT MAN to South Florida. Written by Bernard Pomerance, the play is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the 19th Century. He lived as a horribly deformed young man, suffering from rare skin and bone diseases that distorted his body. He became the principal freak attraction in traveling side shows. Celebrated young physician in the late 1880's, Frederick Treves,
found him and placed him under his care, Merrick was soon introduced to London society and slowly evolved from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy, only to be denied his ultimate dream, to become a man like any other.
The play originally opened on Broadway in 1979, and has enjoyed several successful revivals; the latest in 2014 starring Bradley Cooper. There is also a film version with John Hurt produced in 2002. An actor who takes on the role of John Merrick must have the emotional depth of understanding to capture an abused misfit and the physical ability to transform himself through demanding contortions in order to believably portray this historic figure.
ALA welcomes professional, New York trained actor, CHRISTOPHER MILLAN, in the role of Merrick. "He is an extraordinary actor of great insight and physical ability." says Robert D. Nation, Director/Producer of this production. "We are so proud to re-introduce him to our audiences at ALA since he just completed his role in KILLER JOE for us."
In Merrick's first entrance, the character of Doctor Treves describes the physical deformities to the audience and the stage directions indicate that the actor playing Merrick contorts himself to approximate the projected slides of the real Merrick. What begins as a simple twisting of the fingers, develops into a
hunched-back, bent and limping legs, and a crooked mouth that must remain firmly in place until the curtain falls, two hours later. TREVES is played by Diego Coscia, an actor on loan to us from Italy, whose talent thrilled our ALA audiences in three previous productions, among them including KILLER JOE, BLOODY BROADWAY and THE ZOO STORY..
The production demands of THE ELEPHANT MAN make it difficult to produce but ALA has proudly accepted the challenge, not only because of the quality of the writing and the story, but because the acting from this cast that make this a " not-to-be-missed" production. Other featured actors include: CHRISTOPHER ALVAREZ at Carr Gomm, the London Hospital Administrator; ASHLEY HYDE as Mrs. Kendal-a Famous Actress of the time; CATHY ROLLINS as Nurse Sandwich & as Princess Alexandra; ANDREW BROWN as Bishop How & as Ross, the Side-Show Barker; and JAMES SINGER as Lord John, a
financial scam artist. ELANA MELTZER is Stage Manager. Original Broadway special effects are on loan to ALA for this special presentation.
From the expert cast, to the perfect period costumes, to the atmospheric lighting, and special effects, imagine this ELEPHANT MAN as a "mammoth theatrical experience" on the intimate stage that is Andrews Living Arts. ( WARNING: This performance contains full nudity. No one under 18 admitted. ) "Always a surprise, with their Edgy, unique theatre.." Jesse Leaf, Around Town.
|
|
 |
LocationAndrews Living Arts Studio (View)
23 NW 5th Sttreet
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
United States
Categories
| Minimum Age: 18 |
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
|
Contact
|
