Elephant Man w/Cooper coming to Broadway

[broadwayman17]

Posted: 1/21/14 at 3:50pm

This fall: http://popwatch.ew.com/2014/01/21/bradley-cooper-elephant-man-broadway/

Updated On: 1/21/14 at 03:50 PM

[hushpuppy]

Posted: 1/21/14 at 7:09pm

I saw this show with Bradley Cooper at Williamstown in 2012. I know I'm in the minority, but I find THE ELEPHANT MAN to be rather tedious. Mr. Cooper was quite good, as was Patricia Clarkson. I saw the original with Philip Anglim, and both times I thought the show was overlong. I notice that the Alley production in Houston in 2013 was one act, running about 90 minutes, which would indicate that the show was tightened up considerably, which IMHO, would be a good thing.

[bobs3]

Posted: 1/21/14 at 9:08pm

I think he agreed to star in the new Cameron Crowe film in exchange for producer Scott Rudin bringing the THE ELEPHANT MAN to Broadway.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 1/21/14 at 9:21pm

Remember everyone: We must see past how someone looks and see the true beefcake that exists inside every man.

Now go watch John Hurt in the film.

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/21/14 at 11:13pm

I saw it with Anglim, but then I was lucky enough to see it with BOWIE. Wow. SPOILER





In the beginning of the play, when they first show the elephant man in the medical arena, Bowie stood there in his healthy, erect posture. As the doctor described each issue of his deformity, Bowie's own body became distorted in that way. He transformed into a monster before our eyes. I forget-does anyone know if each actor in the role did the same thing? It was truly astounding.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 1/22/14 at 1:02am

I only saw Bowie. Yes, he was un-freakin-believable.

[hushpuppy]

Posted: 1/22/14 at 7:32am

@Jane2, yes, each actor I've seen performs without makeup, prosthetics, or costumes. You're right, it's a stunning effect.

As he talked about it in the press, and there is a photo in the EW article, I don't think it's a spoiler to mention that, in Williamstown, Bradley Cooper shaved his chest for the role.

Updated On: 1/22/14 at 07:32 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/22/14 at 9:40am

yes, Jane, that's how it is written in the script. (Now this was a million years ago, but I was in the first non-professional production of this....which, since I was only about 16 or so, was the coolest brag.)

[Jon]

Posted: 1/22/14 at 4:21pm

The last revival, around 10 years ago, was Billy Crudup, Rupert Graves, and Kate Burton. Excellent acting, but strange production design. Instead of the polished-wood look of the original, they went for an industrial look. The model cathedral Merrick builds was made of clear plexiglass.


Spoiler:


The scene in which the actress shows Merrick her breasts, usually done facing upstage, was done facing the audience by Ms. Burton - pretty brave for a woman around 50.