Show: The Elephant Man
Written by: Bernard Pomerance
Performed by: Frank Zotter, George Szilagyi, and others
Directed by: Michael Peng
Presented by: Studio Theatre www.studiotheatre.ca    

5 Stars

Reviewed by: Darren Paul (Edmonton Correspondent - Canada)   

Surprising and touching is a good way to start to describe Michael Peng's rendition of The Elephant Man. I wouldn't be remiss in also using intelligent, penetrating, and uplifting. This production is in completion of Michael's MFA in Directing at the University of Alberta and is the culmination of two years effort, effort which I must congratulate as a soaring success.

The story of John Merrick (the real Elephant Man) is part of our cultural knowledge much in thanks to the film adaptation of this same Bernard Pomerance play. This stage production though, is a different beast altogether. For starters: no prosthetics were used in representation of John Merrick's visually repulsive condition. Rather, the actor Frank Zotter, in a scene where Dr. Frederick Treves presents his findings about the Elephant Man adopts a physical representation as the details of his condition are described. Between the imagery contained in the text and Zotter's specific physical work there is little confusion as to what John Merrick really looks like, and this is good. A nice surprise of the show is how quickly it moves beyond the spectacle of a horrifying looking man seeking protection and acceptance and becomes about the relationships and philosophies he develops and comparing them to those of his ever attentive doctor (Frederick Treves / George Szilagyi)  

The main conflict in this show is a conflict of ideas. The science-first reductive philosophies of the Victorian era are set against a natural spirituality John Merrick possesses and uses to great effect. The question is asked: What is more human, one who has the right appearance, or one who has some greater essence of humanity about his manner of living?

The staging of the show features fluid choreographed transitions that assist in telling stories, and for the first time I have seen projections that support the atmosphere and storytelling more than distract. A projection of Watson and the Shark sets the tension perfectly for an edge of your seat scene where the Elephant Man's freak show manager comes back long after Merrick has found acceptance among London's high society and works to convince him to show himself off for money again.

Beyond the stirring and natural performances of Zotter and Szilagyi, the cast members each play multiple characters that populate and complete the world of the play. Special notice should be given to Isabelle Rousseau's Mrs. Kendal, who's pride, sexuality, and curiosity steal the audience's breath with excitement. 

The Elephant Man is a wonderful putting together of superior elements for a masterpiece of a show. For a night out that will sweep you away and deliver you back in your life refreshed and enlightened, this is the hottest ticket in town. This show runs May 15 - 24 at the Timms Centre on the main-stage. Advance tickets are available from Tix on the Square.