'Elephant Man' auditions set for Sept. 6

Play based on life of John Merrick runs Oct. 29 - Nov. 14 at Harding Family Center

Auditions for "Elephant Man" are set for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 6 and 7, with call backs on Sept. 8, at the Harding Family Center, 411 N. 15th St.

There will be cold readings from the script and those trying out should wear appropriate clothing for movement.

There are roles for nine men and five women, ages 20 to 65.

The director is Marina Kalani.

"The Elephant Man is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the nineteenth century. A horribly deformed young man, victim of rare skin and bone diseases, he has become the star freak attraction in traveling side shows," according to a press release.

"Found abandoned and helpless, he is admitted to London's prestigious Whitechapel hospital. Under the care of celebrated young physician Frederick Treves, Merrick is introduced to London society and slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati only to be denied his ultimate dream, to become a man like any other."

The play opens Oct. 29 and runs Thursday through Sunday until Nov. 14.