"Elephant Man" on Stage at Wallman Hall This Month
The Fairmont State University School of Fine Arts and Masquers theatre group will present Bernard Pomerance’s "The Elephant Man," directed by Jeffrey Ingman, on two consecutive weekends: Sept. 23, 24 and 25 and Sept. 29, 30 and Oct. 1. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. in Wallman Hall Theatre with the exception of Sunday, Sept 25, which is a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through the Box Office at (304) 367-4240.
"Given the directing prowess of Jeffrey Ingman and the always dramatic staging skills of Troy Snyder and Todd Wren, audiences of this production of 'The Elephant Man' are guaranteed an evening of truly memorable theatre," said Peter Lach, Dean of the School of Fine Arts.
"The Elephant Man" is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the 19th century. A horribly deformed young man, victim of rare skin and bone diseases, Merrick becomes the star attraction in traveling side shows. Later, found abandoned and helpless, he is admitted to London’s prestigious Whitechapel hospital. Under the care of celebrated young physician Frederick Treves, Merrick is introduced to London society and slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati— only to be denied his ultimate dream, to become a man like any other.
"The Elephant Man" was winner of numerous Tony Awards including Best Play. The New York Daily News described "The Elephant Man" as “… ravishing theatre … utterly fascinating … a distinguished piece of work.” The New York Times wrote: “An enthralling and luminous play. Haunting, splendid…” And Time Magazine wrote: “A moving drama, lofted on poetic wings, it nests in the human heart.”
The lighting for this production of "The Elephant Man" will be designed by visiting artist Todd O. Wren. Wren has designed the lighting for more than 300 theatrical productions across the country. His national credits include; The Coconut Grove Playhouse, Casa Manana, Goodspeed Opera House, Florida Repertory Theatre, Riverside Theatre, Gainesville Theatre Alliance and Tennessee Repertory Theatre. Wren received his M.F.A. from Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama.
