The Elephant Man

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The Elephant Man on Broadway: Show Is Now Closed

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The Elephant Man Summary

Show Status: Closed
Genre: Play - Revival
The Elephant Man is 2 Hours long, including an intermission of 15 Minutes
8 Shows per week
Previews Began: November 7, 2014
Show Opened : December 7, 2014
Show Closed: February 15, 2015

Originally written in 1977, The Elephant Man is a tragic drama based on the life of John Merrick, a man who lived in late 19th Century London and was known for his extremely deformed body. It tells of the confrontation between Merrick, whose deformity has led him to become a traveling freak show performer, and a young surgeon named Frederick Treves.

What's The Elephant Man Like?

Treves becomes intrigued by Merrick’s disorder, and decides not only to study his physiognomy, but also educate him on religion so that he can lead a “normal life.” What ensues is a struggle of conscience not only for Merrick, but ultimately for Treves. The play is remarkable in that Merrick’s deformities, though agreed to be incredibly severe, are conveyed without the use of any prosthetics or intense stage make-up. Rather, it is the actor’s job to portray the acuteness of the abnormality through physicality alone.

Is The Elephant Man Good for Kids?

With its themes of deformity, cruelty, and injustice, the play may be frightening for children under the age of 12. Furthermore, there is a fair amount of sexual content. Producers have not announced the official policies for admitting children into the show. Children under the age of 4 are not allowed in the theatre.

The Elephant Man on Broadway Background

In this revival, the role of John Merrick is played by the Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper performing in his second ever Broadway production, and the role of Frederick Treves is played by Alessandro Nivola. Merrick’s romantic interest, Mrs. Kendal, is played by Patricia Clarkson. The show is directed by Scott Ellis, who has previously graced Broadway with such productions as The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Harvey, Curtains and The Little Dog Laughed.