Contact: Lisa Joyce, 503-485-4300, lisa@pentacletheatre.org

SALEM—The Elephant Man, Bernard Pomerance’s story of John Merrick’s journey from a sideshow freak to become a celebrated member of Victorian London’s high society, opens April 13 at Pentacle Theatre.

The Elephant Man is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the 19th century. A horribly deformed young man who suffered from rare skin and bone diseases, he becomes the star freak attraction in traveling sideshows. Found abandoned and helpless, Merrick is admitted to London’s prestigious Whitechapel Hospital, where he meets celebrated young physician Frederick Treves. Under the doctor’s care, 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.

Source: Samuel French.com

IF YOU GO

What: The Elephant Man, by Bernard Pomerance, directed by Jo Dodge and assistant director Heathre Powell.

The cast includes Pamela Abernethy, Kat Baird, David Ballantyne, David Beldin, Bill Brown, Jordan Campbell-Reyna, Lauren Donovan, Lucas Hill, Taylor Husk, Joyce Kemp, Jordan Mackor, Joe Martin, Casey Mcguire, Matthew Morris, Jane O’Hara, Anthony Redelsperger and Erich Schmidt.

When: April 13-May 5.

Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave. NW, off Highway 22, about 6 miles west of downtown Salem, Oregon.

Sponsored by: The Elephant Man is made possible by the generous support of the Paul C. and Robin E. Bower Family Trust.

Tickets: Tickets range in price from $24-$29.

  • $29 for opening night includes a catered post-show party.
  • $25 for Friday and Saturday evening performances.
  • $27 for Sunday matinee performances.
  • $24 for Wednesday and Thursday evening performances.
  • Seniors, students and military are eligible for a $1.50 discount per ticket.

Where to buy: Advance tickets are available at Pentacle’s downtown Salem ticket office at 145 Liberty St. NE or by calling 503-485-4300 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, or online anytime at pentacletheatre.org. Tickets are also available at the theater box office 45 minutes before each performance.

Tickets for low-income persons: In partnership with Salem for All, Pentacle Theatre offers half-price tickets to Oregon Trail Card holders. For information, go to salemforall.org.

CONTENT ADVISORY: Pentacle Theatre seeks to inform our patrons about content that may be objectionable. Because tastes vary — and what is offensive can be subjective — we encourage you to read the script before purchasing a ticket if you’re concerned.

  • The Elephant Man contains brief partial nudity of a non-sexual nature staged in dim lighting.
  • The Elephant Man is recommended for mature middle school, high school and adult patrons.
  • While there is no rating system for plays, the film version of The Elephant Man is rated PG.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go online at pentacletheatre.org or call 503-485-4300.

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