Imagination and a strong cast help lift up ‘The Elephant Man’

By STEPHANIE OTTEY

It’s never easy to re-create history, particularly when that history is about one grossly unique individual, but The Victorian Players faced the challenge when they opened “The Elephant Man” last weekend.

The play by Bernard Pomerance explains the true story of John Merrick, “The Elephant Man,” as he is treated by Dr. Frederick Treves for a disfiguring condition which has left him abandoned, abused and fearful.

Through the themes of religion vs. science vs. society, we see Merrick transform from a “freak” into a gentleman while planting the ideas of heaven into the head of his science-minded doctor.

They speak on ethics and rules and pose many thought-provoking questions as Merrick is introduced to high society for the first time in his life. Merrick’s faith in God and distrust in society leads to a fit of confusion in Treves, who has assumed a somewhat self-righteous view of himself.

As Treves loses control of his own beliefs, Merrick decides to take control of his life and finally lie down to sleep.

The weighted script and history are challenge for anyone, but the directing team of John Cox and Christopher Fidram handled it masterfully, clearly engaging their cast in their characters. They even manipulated the obstacle of “The Little Theater on the Commons” well.

The theater itself is a modest space, without any fancy lighting grid or sound system, which creates the cozy, honest feeling of a production that relies on imagination more than technology. The set is simple as well, with only a few curtains, chairs and tables to transform the stage as needed.

The costumes, designed by Pam Sacui, are easily the most impressive technical achievement in the production. With an era-sensitive and immaculately dressed cast, Sacui alone is responsible for confirming the time period of the show.

Thus, a great deal of responsibility in captivating the audience falls to the actors, and they do so well.

John Pecano shows an unprecedented dedication to his character as he brings Merrick to life. Although he couldn’t quite manage to grow pounds and pounds of useless flesh on various parts of his body, Pecano certainly made the audience imagine that they could see every mutant shape. Pecano’s contorted figure, staggered breathing and impeded speech provided the only grotesque aspects to the tragic character, as the rest of the portrayal could only be described as charming.

Leigh Ann Cox proved to have a strong connection with Pecano as she filled the role of Mrs. Kendall. The two spent a great deal of time commanding the stage together and created some of the most memorable scenes of the show. Cox brought a delicate intensity to Mrs. Kendall that had all ears and eyes attuned to her. She displayed a great ability to focus, and created the illusion that what was being performed on stage was truly happening for the first time.

Matthew J. DiBattiste and Tom Smith brought their characters of Dr. Treves and Carr Gomm to life in the most effortless way. These gentlemen handled the London dialect particularly well and can be given credit for maintaining the British fa ßade most convincingly.

Terry Shears and Don Connors also stand out as strong performers. Shears represents the theme of religion in the show, and addresses his role as the Bishop with gentleness. He may remain composed and soft-spoken, but he evokes an emotional reaction regardless. It’s unfortunate that the Bishop played such a minor part in the script; it would have been nice to see more of what Shears has to offer.

Like Shears, Connors may not appear on stage often, but when he does, he brings a sincerity to his part that is unexpected and refreshing.

No real weak links are apparent in this cast; however, there were moments of confusion when dialogue was unclear. The attempt at a dialect was made, and some handled it better than others.

Because of a lack of amplification and bad acoustics in the theater, quite a few lines sounded mumbled or got completely lost. With a script as jam-packed as “The Elephant Man,” it was important to follow every word, and that was sometimes difficult. Future audience members who are hard of hearing should strive to sit close to the stage.

Nonetheless, with minimal props, set pieces and a less-than-ideal theater, “The Elephant Man” is a production that proves just what the imagination is capable of.

“The Elkephant Man” will be performed today at 2 p.m. at the Mahoning Avenue theater.