The Elephant Man at El Portal Theater

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2. The Elephant Man

Taking place in Victorian England 1884, this gripping drama is based on the real life events of Joseph Carey Merrick. The Elephant Man is the story of a 19th century Englishman who has an unprecedented physical deformation. As a victim of a rare skin and bone disease called Proteus Syndrome, Merrick eventually becomes the star of a traveling freak show circuit. When the renowned Dr. Frederick Treves takes Merrick under his care, he is astonished by the youngmans brilliant mind, unshakable faith, and passionate desire for love, acceptance and romance. Merricks astonishing and moving story is the basis for this Tony award winning play.Part of that story includes Merricks acquaintance with a beautiful actress, Mrs. Kendal. She becomes entranced by Merricks pure and genuine soul. As a complex friendship between the three main characters blossoms, Dr. Treves and Mrs. Kendall struggle to protect Merrick from the severity of his worsening condition, as well as from a world of opportunism, exploitation that make achieving a normal life seem all but impossible.

Authors

• Bernard Pomerance

Tony Awards and Nominations for The Elephant Man