‘Elephant Man’ Coming
To Northern Stage

The Bishop describes him as a Christian in the rough. He fascinates high society. The sideshow barker cruelly exploits him as a freak of nature. But John Merrick was a kind, sensitive, almost child-like young man who wrote poetry. Was his physical condition a cruel trick of nature or a message of universal love from God?

All of this—and more—is explored in Northern Stage’s production of Bernard Pomerance’s chilling Tony Award-winning play "The Elephant Man," presented live on stage in White River Junction March 26-April 13.

Kevin Loreque, who has brought memorable characters to life in Northern Stage productions such as "I Am My Own Wife," "Cabaret" and "CATS," stars in the title role.

The play chronicles John Merrick’s struggle for dignity—and even survival—in the wake of a physical deformity that physicians still debate to this day. Alternately shunned by the public and celebrated by London society, Merrick’s story conjures up questions of religion, medicine, art and sexuality in the context of Victorian England.

"The Elephant Man," directed by Catherine Doherty, runs at the Briggs Opera House in White River Junction Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. (except for the opening night gala, Friday March 28, which begins at 6:30 p.m.) and Sundays at 5 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday, March 29 and Thursday, April 3. For tickets and information, call 802-296-7000.