Sneak Peek of by Charles Roetting of The Elephant Man: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues its 2016-2017 season with Bernard Pomerance“™s Tony Award winning The Elephant Man, directed by CSC Producing Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips. This marks CSC“™s final season before bidding farewell to their location on Race Street. As a tribute to the early days of CSC, on-stage audience seating is available.
Set in the late 19th century, the play centers on the life of John Merrick, whose severe physical deformities earned him the nickname “The Elephant Man”. The story follows Merrick (played by Giles Davies) from his early life in a freak show to his time spent in and around a London hospital. With the help of Dr. Frederick Treaves (played by Brent Vimtrup), Merrick is shown pieces of the outside world. Through his various interactions, the notions of decency, beauty, and goodness are all challenged.
The Elephant Man originally opened in 1979 and while the principal character suffers from severe deformities, the role is portrayed using physicality, not prosthetics. The role of Merrick was originated by David Schofield and has famously been played by the likes of David Bowie, Mark Hamill, and recently Bradley Cooper. Merrick now finds a home within the exceptionally talented Giles Davies, whose mastery of movement promises a captivating take on The Elephant Man. Opposite Davies, Brent Vimtrup, who portrays the eager and sometimes morally ambiguous Dr. Treaves, will undoubtedly get to show off his uncanny ability of blending heart and soul with a complicated inner struggle.
The all-star cast also includes Miranda McGee, Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Billy Chace, Kelly Mengelkoch, Barry Mulholland, Aiden Sims, Crystian Wilshire, Vanessa Sawson, Kyle Brumley, and Brandon Joseph Burton.
Director Brian Isaac Phillips“™ vivid imagination and creativity promise a directorial vision that is both authentic and innovative. This will not be a production to miss.
Performances of The Elephant Man are scheduled from October 14-November 5, 2016, Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. There is no performance on Sunday October 16.
There is an added performance at 2pm on Saturday November 5. Preview performances are on Wednesday October 12 and Thursday October 13 at 7:30pm and tickets are $25.
The theater currently is located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center. Single ticket prices range from $22-$38 on Thursdays and Sundays and from $26-$42 on Fridays and Saturdays. Previews are $25. If available, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased one hour before a show with a valid student ID. This production is a part of this season“™s subscription package. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees may apply. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups as well as AAA members. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at www.cincyshakes.com.