Overview
Synopsis
The script is based upon the life of Joseph Merrick, a man so physically deformed that he became known as the “Elephant Man.” With very few options open to him, Merrick (whose first name is John in Pomerance’s play) is forced to display himself to the public in travelling sideshows. Eventually, however, he finds himself alone and destitute in London. Due to the kindness of one Dr. Frederick Treves, Merrick is soon admitted into the London Hospital for care and observation. Treves becomes determined to help Merrick lead a normal life, and Merrick soon becomes the toast of society. In the end however, John Merrick, The Elephant Man, finds that normality isn’t something he can achieve, or that he even necessarily wants.
Show Information
- Book
- Bernard Pomerance
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1977
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- 1884-1890, london, belgium
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Mature Audiences, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Spoken |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
|
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A play that centers around the downfall of the main character through tragic actions and events.
Relating to the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) or a person who lived in the Victorian era.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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