'The Elephant Man' by Steppenwolf for Young Adults thru 11/4

The Elephant Man by Bernard Pomerance, directed by Sean Graney.  The production runs through November 4, 2007, in the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre (1650 N. Halsted Street, Chicago).

Weekday matinees, beginning October 16, 2007, are hosted for school groups only.  Public performances are October 27 & 28, November 3 and 4, 2007, at 11AM.

"The Elephant Man tells the true story of John Merrick, a man suffering from extreme physical deformities and disabilities in turn-of-the-century London.  Rescued from a freak side show by Dr. Fredrick Treves, Merrick is cared for and introduced to the initially curious circles of polite society.  As Dr. Treves strives to make his patient feel more 'normal,' Merrick is suddenly elevated to celebrity status," explain press notes.

The production features Rom Barkhordar, Thomas J. Cox, Kurt Ehrmann, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Erik Hellman, Lily Mojekwu and Michael Patrick Thornton.  Director Sean Graney directed Sarah Kane's 4.48 Psychosis in the Garage Theatre in 2005, a Steppenwolf Visiting Company Initiative with The Hypocrites, for whom he serves as Artistic Director.

The production is designed by Marcus Stepens (sets), Keith Parham (lights), Kevin O'Donnell (sound), and Alison Siple (costumes).

Tickets to the public performances are $20.  Target 2-for-1 Sunday Matinees are October 28 and November 4, 2007.  All tickets on October 28 and November 4 are $10.  Tickets are available at www.steppenwolf.org; 1650 N. Halsted St., (312) 335-1650.

Photo: Michael Patrick Thornton (Merrick) and Thomas J. Cox (Dr. Treves) by Jay Geneske

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