Andrews Living Arts brings the play 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.  

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.  

From the expert cast, to the perfect period costumes, to the atmospheric lighting, and special effects, imagine this production of The Elephant Man as a mammoth theatrical experience on the intimate stage that is Andrews Living Arts.  Tickets available through Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006, or on our website at www.andrewslivingarts.org Preview Nov. 19, opening Nov. 20, playing through Dec. 6 at Andrews Living Arts, 23 NW 5th St. Fort Lauderdale, 33301.

WARNING: This performance contains full nudity. No one under 18 admitted.