Saint Sebastian Players Present THE ELEPHANT MAN 10/21-11/13

The Tony Award-winning play The Elephant Man by Bernard Pomerance opens the Saint Sebastian Players' 31st season October 21-November 13, 2011 at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, Chicago. In honor of those who have served our country in the military, SSP is offering all veterans free admission on Veterans Day, November 11.

Set against the backdrop of Victorian England's Whitechapel, the seedy London district made famous by Jack the Ripper, The Elephant Man tells the tale of Joseph Merrick, a side show attraction who transforms from object of disgust to society darling under the care of celebrated physician Frederick Treves. In this compelling drama, SSP sheds light on what it means to express our humanity.

SSP company member Don Johnson, who has worked with Bloomington Playwrights Project and Detour Productions (Indiana), Red-Eye Collaboration and City Stages (Minnesota), Tuma Theatre (Alaska) and GroundUp Theatre (Chicago), makes his SSP directing debut. Johnson is examining the play through various lenses, applying a Brechtian point of view and, in some cases, nontraditional casting. Actress Simina Contras, who has performed at the National Theater of Romania in Sibiu, plays John Merrick. Douglas Werder, who previously appeared in SSP's Cash on Delivery and Picasso at the Lapin Agile, plays Frederick Treves. SSP member Julie Johnson plays the pivotal role of actress Mrs. Kendall. Other cast members include SSP member Jim Masini, as well as Sukie McWilliams, Jim Moore, Joe Ogiony, Jake Penzell, Deepti Ramakrishnan and Julia Rigby. Chad Bianchi is set designer, Paula Consdorf is costume designer, Adam T. Dunaway III is lighting/projection designer, Trevor Ketteman is assistant director/properties manager, Brian Hupke has composed original music, and SSP member Jonathan Hagloch is producer.

SSP began producing theatre in 1982 at its original home, the St. Sebastian parish, located at the corner of Halsted Street and Wellington Avenue on Chicago's North Side. When the parish closed, SSP relocated to its current home, St. Bonaventure, at 1625 W. Diversey. During its history, the company has produced original and previously produced dramas, comedies and musicals; original audience-participation murder mysteries for special events; and the Monologue Matchup Competition, as well as provided support for smaller Sebastian Studio Projects produced by company members. A complete history and a complete list of mainstage productions are available on SSP's website.

The Elephant Man runs October 21-November 13, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, at Marshfield just west of Ashland, in Chicago. Free parking is available in two lots. Full-priced single tickets are $15, $10 for students with valid IDs and $7 for seniors and children younger than 12. Military veterans receive free admission on Veterans Day, November 11, at 8 p.m. Subscription packages for the three-play season are $30, $20 for seniors. SSP will hold a drawing for a free season subscription during each performance weekend. Group rates also are available. All programming is subject to change. For information, call 773-404-7922 or visit saintsebastianplayers.org.