From pity to a favorite
<p>Christopher Lamb, center, plays the lead role of John Merrick in the Lake City Playhouse's production of "The Elephant Man." Bill Caisley portrays Mr. Carr Gomm, left, and George Green will be performing as Frederick Treves in tonight's opening show that will run through November 14.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - The drama written by Bernard Pomerance is considered the saddest of stories.
It tells of the deformed Joseph (a.k.a. John) Merrick, under the care of physician Frederick Treves, who evolves from an object of pity to a favorite of the aristocracy only to be denied his dream of becoming a man like any other.
Playhouse artistic director George Green believes this production could be the most artistically and creatively successful of the season.
"'The Elephant Man' is truly a wonderful story and the public will leave the theatre very moved by this experience," he wrote in an e-mail.
The play is directed by Marina Kalani.
"Pomerance's language and writing style is very challenging," Green wrote. "Most people will recall the film with Hurt and Hopkins. This will be similar to that. However, it is important to note that in this script, audiences will hear very specific moments that are captured directly from Dr. Treves' memoirs. The artistic level of this play's approach is of very high merit."
While the musical "Evita" just set a Playhouse sales record of about $20,000, Green said he doesn't anticipate huge lines for "Elephant Man."
"This is an entirely different form of theatre. Dramas typically sell slower than other types of productions," he wrote.
He added that one other thing that will impress patrons is the simple manner that Merrick's entire life is played out on one stylized set concept accented with a beautiful lighting design.
Green said those who decide to continue to trust that the theatre will provide them with an evening of entertainment and enlightenment, will certainly be fulfilled.
"What I do find to be a huge success regarding this production is this cast's ability to be able to tell a sincere story," he wrote. "What Lake City Playhouse does very well is provide the audience with an intimate story full of relationships within the various roles. I feel like we have hit the mark, yet again, on this aspect."
If you go
“The Elephant Man” is directed by Marina Kalani. Shows are tonight, Saturday and Sunday, and Nov. 4-7, 11-14. All Thursday to Saturday curtain times are 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee curtain times are 2 p.m. Tickets: Adults, $17; veterans, students, $15; seniors, $13; children 12 and under, $9. Box office hours are Monday-Friday: noon to 4:30 p.m. or until curtain time on show nights .The box office is also open 2 hours prior to each Saturday and Sunday showtime.