Review: Actors' Empathy, Emotion Shines Through in CATCO's THE ELEPHANT MAN

From its Broadway debut in 1979 to its revival starring Bradley Cooper just last year, Bernard Pomerance's Tony Award-winning play "The Elephant Man" has challenged audiences through the decades to think beyond physical appearances and sympathize with others' plights. Now, this message comes to the Columbus stage with CATCO's production -- the first of its 2015-16 season -- of this dramatic classic.

Presented in the Vern Riffe Center's black box-style Studio Two Theatre, audience members sit mere inches away from the Victorian-era, dialogue-heavy drama that unfolds before them. The three sets of risers that partially encircle the performance space create an arena-like setting, a detail that only emphasizes the play's theme of human spectacle and its impact on the spirit of an individual.

The floor-level stage is set with a large, four-posted wooden structure that is minimally decorated with a metal bathtub and wooden desk, while string lights and an artfully cobbled backdrop made up of fading swathes of fabric crudely connected by thick ropes gives the setting a distinctly vintage, circus-like vibe.

Based on the life of Joseph Merrick, a man known for his extremely deformed body, "The Elephant Man" follows the transformation of John Merrick (Connor McClellan), who, because of his abnormal appearance, was the star attraction of a freak show. Soon, though, Merrick is taken in by Frederick Treves (Ben Gorman), an up-and-coming surgeon working at the London Hospital. Seeing in Merrick a man suffering from a disorder rather than a grotesque being whose existence is limited to the circus tent, Treves studies and cares for Merrick, and, with the help of Carr Gomm (Colby Tarrh), the hospital's administrator, and Mrs. Kendal (Sarah Dandridge), a successful actress, begins to teach him how to properly behave in society.

Yet as Merrick's social graces become more polished -- even to the point where he is sought out as company by high-ranking figures like Princess Alexandra (Madison Wilson) -- his health begins to fail, and the audience must watch as the inevitable end draws near.

Although the play heavily relies on its dialogue and thought-provoking exchanges about morality, social hypocrisy and basic human nature, it is the performers' dedication and emotion that forges a connection with the audience.

McClellan, a Columbus native, excels in the role of Merrick and convincingly exudes a romantic spirit and passion for life despite his character's physical limitations -- represented through twisted postures and labored speech patterns, with no prosthetics or image-altering makeup. Indeed, McClellan's heartfelt performance is empathetic and makes his character's last moments tug heavily on the hearts of those in the audience.

Others in the eight-member cast perform their respective roles equally as well, masterfully utilizing their characters' unique personality traits to address issues that span time and space in a way that never feels forced or insincere.

Packed with themes that continue to be relatable today, CATCO's rendition of "The Elephant Man" is a strong play that is only made more memorable by those who perform it.

"The Elephant Man" is set to be performed in the Vern Riffe Center's Studio Two Theatre from Oct. 21 through Nov. 8.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office, located next to the Ohio Theatre at 39 E. State St., or at any central Ohio Ticketmaster location. They are also available by calling 614.469.0939 or visiting ticketmaster.com.

The Vern Riffe Center is located at 77 S. High St.

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