On March 7th a hush fell over the Schwarz Theater as opening night of “The Elephant Man” went underway. With the return of director and former professor Lyle Schwarz, it was only fitting that the production takes place in the theater named on his behalf. The two-hour production provided non-stop drama and captivating performances.
For those unfamiliar with this classic production, “The Elephant Man” is based on the true story of the grotesquely deformed Joseph (John) Merrick, who lived in London during the 19th Century. Previously a circus freak, Merrick is welcomed in by a kindly doctor and shown a new side of humanity. Gregory Rawlins provided a tender and emotional portrayal of the Elephant Man, and the pain rendered on his face and manifested through his limbs can truly move an audience. Despite first night jitters, the entire cast offered performances filled with raw emotion.
If you are feeling down for having missed opening weekend, do not fear because “The Elephant Man” will be returning for the weekend of March 15-16th. The show will begin at 7 p.m. each night in the Schwarz Theatre. Tickets can be purchased, or given free to EOU students, at the box office in Loso Hall. Keeping the theatre departments yearly theme “Monsters: Real or Perceived” in mind, this performance truly offers newfound enlightenment on who the monsters really are.
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