Cape Theatre to stage 'The Elephant Man'

Cape Henlopen Theatre Academy presents the award winning drama, "The Elephant Man," Friday through Sunday, December 2-4.  Set in Victorian London, Bernard Pommerance’s poignant examination of imposed civilization and society presents strong challenges to the students in the theatre academy and marks a further departure from standard high school fare for the new program.

"The Elephant Man" is a powerful dramatization of real events centered on John Merrick, a horribly deformed young man who was rescued by London doctor Frederick Treves.  From horrific conditions in a side show (where he was billed as The Elephant Man,) to a comfortable life in The London Hospital, Treves provided Merrick a semblance of normalcy,  where he received aristocratic visitors and became something of a celebrity in his own right.

The play places the focus both on Merrick’s rise as a celebrity while striving to be "normal" and Treves’ increasing doubts about the value of that normalcy and his own his role in placing Merrick in another form of side show.  In presenting Merrick with a view of life he could never truly have, Treves comes to doubt the value of his work and the true value of his polite society.  Set against the backdrop of industrialism and imperialism, the play raises key questions still pertinent today.

The Cape Henlopen Theatre Academy production features Treiver Sherwood in the title role and Hunter Graves as Doctor Treves.  Graves was last seen as Bottom and Sherwood as Puck in "A Midsummer Night’s Dream."  Audiences will remember the intense physicality of Sherwood’s Puck.  As Merrick’s deformities are suggested by the actor - without special effects makeup, the role is an incredible challenge to any actor.

Bridgett Killion plays Mrs. Kendall, an actress who comes closest to true friendship with Merrick.  All three actors are seniors who plan to continue their training for the professional stage after graduation. The cast is rounded out with student actors of all ranges as the academy aims to include as many willing young talents as possible.

Now in its second season under the artistic direction of Martha Pfeiffer, the Cape Henlopen Theatre Academy continues to strive for quality theatre through quality writing and challenging content.  "The Elephant Man" follows their very successful production of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" last spring.

“Shakespeare was exciting for the students to work with, and the production was beautiful,” Pfeiffer said, “but now we are examining a play of deeper psychological content and social relevance.  Time to shake things up!”

In its first season, Pfeiffer produced a major musical and a Shakespearean play.  Topping that, Pfeiffer also presented a children’s play, two musical revues and two acting showcases, and toured to a local senior center with her students to spread some holiday cheer.  This season, the academy will repeat its full program of productions and student showcases and traveling troubadours.  The academy, which began last year, has more than doubled in enrollment.

"The Elephant Man" is directed by Martha Pfeiffer and features setting and lighting by Derek Dutton and costumes designed by guest artist, Dr. T. Paul Pfeiffer, of Salisbury University.

Performances are at 8 p.m., Dec. 2; 2 and 8 p.m., Dec.3 and 2 p.m., Dec. 4, at Cape Henlopen High School Theatre, Lewes.