The Grimy Announces THE ELEPHANT MAN Run Beginning 3/28

The Grimy has announced a six-week limited engagement of The Elephant Man by Bernard Pomerance, directed by Reid Scott, at Theatre 68 in Los Angeles. There will be two preview performances on March 28 and 29, with opening night set for Friday, March 30 at 8:00.

The Elephant Man is the story of John Merrick, a young man in England at the turn of the century, who suffered from a hideous and debilitating disorder. Merrick is taken into the care of Dr. Treves, the most prominent physician of that time. Despite his profound disability and bizarre appearance, it is revealed that Merrick is an incredible artist and poet. These qualities are only surpassed by the compassion of his luminous soul, and he deeply touches the lives of everyone with whom he comes into contact.

Originally presented at London’s National Theatre, the play later opened on Broadway. Along with the 1979 Tony Award for Best Play, The Elephant Man won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play, and the NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play. The original Broadway cast included Philip Anglim as John Merrick (winner of the NY Drama Desk Award for Best Actor), and Kevin Conway as Dr. Treves. The role of John Merrick was later played by Mark Hamill and David Bowie, among others. The play ran over two years on Broadway.

Reid Scott has directed several off-Broadway productions, including Cargo, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Inherit the Wind, Miss Julie, and Much Ado About Nothing. The Elephant Man marks his Los Angeles debut. The cast at Theatre 68 will include (in alphabetical order) Jeny Batten, Ron Bottitta, Nick Caballero, Kimberly Condict, Jamie Harris, Babar Peerzada, and Paulie Rojas. Set and lighting design is by Joel Daavid, and costume design is by Max Smith. The stage manager is Bland Brifkani, and The Elephant Man is produced for The Grimy by Lulu Brud and Babar Peerzada.

The Elephant Man will play two preview performances on Wednesday, March 28, and Thursday, March 29 at 8pm, and opening night is set for Friday, March 30 at 8pm. The regular running schedule is Thursday through Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 7pm through May 6 only. General admission seating is $30 ($25 in advance online), and tickets may be purchased at www.plays411.com/elephantman or by calling (323) 960-7735. Opening night seats are available for $45, which includes a post-performance reception and a meet-and-greet with the artists. Theatre 68 is located at 5419 Sunset Boulevard (just east of Western) in Los Angeles, 90027. Free rooftop parking is available.