September 2007 - Nr. 9
The Elephant Man
The Canadian Stage Company presents The Elephant Man directed by Robin Phillips
Tony Award-winning Drama Starring Brent Carver and Geraint Wyn-Davies Sets the Stage for the 20th Anniversary Season at the Bluma Appel Theatre
After a $3M renovation, the Bluma officially opens its doors for The Elephant Man premiere
"A giant of a play. Wonderful, moving and purely theatrical." - Clive Barnes, New York Post
Toronto, ON – Celebrating its 20th anniversary, The Canadian Stage Company launches its main stage season with Bernard Pomerance’s masterful, biographical drama The Elephant Man. Joining internationally acclaimed director Robin Phillips is a multi-award-winning cast including Brent Carver (Kiss of the Spiderwoman) as John Merrick, Geraint Wyn-Davies (Slings and Arrows, 24) as Dr. Frederick Treves and Kate Trotter (The Jane Show, The Murdoch Mysteries) as Mrs. Kendal. Previews begin October 8. The production opens October 11 and continues to November 3 at the newly refurbished Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front Street East.
Over the summer, the St. Lawrence Centre, including the Bluma Appel Theatre, the Company’s main stage, underwent a $3M facelift funded by a partnership between the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and the City of Toronto. Renovations by design firm 3rd UNCLE design inc. began in June 2007 and will be completed by the end of this month. When the refurbished theatre officially opens its doors again on October 11 for the premiere of The Elephant Man, substantial improvements will be seen throughout the theatre’s interior, including the auditorium, box office, bars, lobbies and the Ernest Balmer Lounge. The opening day festivities will also include an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor David Miller.
"It’s an exciting year for The Canadian Stage Company," states Artistic Producer Martin Bragg. "We are celebrating our 20th anniversary; our main stage--the Bluma Appel Theatre--has undergone a stunning transformation; and we are mounting The Elephant Man, directed by powerhouse Robin Phillips and starring an extraordinary cast including Brent Carver, Geraint Wyn-Davies and Kate Trotter."
The Elephant Man chronicles the real-life story of John Merrick who lived during the Victorian era. Abandoned as a child and shunned by society, the grotesquely deformed Merrick survives as a side show attraction until a gifted young doctor rescues him from life on the streets. Under the care of Dr. Frederick Treves, who educates Merrick and introduces him to London high society, the so-called "Elephant Man" transforms from a sensational object of pity to the celebrity darling of the rich and famous.
The Elephant Man made its Broadway debut in 1979 capturing three Tony Awards including Best Play, three Obie Awards, three Drama Desk Awards and a New York Drama Critics Circle Award. The starring role
was originally played by Philip Anglim and later by David Bowie. In 1980, a loosely-based biopic directed by David Lynch and starring John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft and John Gielgud went on to receive eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. More recently, in 2002, the play enjoyed a Broadway revival starring Billy Crudup and Kate Burton, both of whom received Tony nominations.Joining Carver, Wyn-Davies and Trotter in The Canadian Stage Company production are veteran actors Barry MacGregor (Canadian Stage’s The Weir), Michael Spencer-Davis (Canadian Stage’s As You Like It), Michelle Fisk (Canadian Stage’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile), David Kirby (Canadian Stage’s Rock and Roll), Aaron Forward (Democracy) and Jack Wetherall (who starred in the title role in the original Broadway production).
The creative team includes costume designer Sue LePage, lighting designer Louise Guinand, with original music by Laura Burton and sound design by John Lott. Sherri Catt is assistant set designer and Mary Spyrakis is assistant props designer. Emily Cooper is stage manager and Isaac Thomas is assistant stage manager.
The Elephant Man runs October 8 to November 3, 2007. Tickets begin at $20. For tickets and information, contact 416.368.3110 or visit canstage.com.
Nationally and internationally acclaimed, The Canadian Stage Company is Canada’s largest not-for-profit, contemporary theatre company committed to presenting the best in Canadian and international drama, comedy and musical theatre year-round. Located in Toronto, the Company has four distinctive performance venues: the Bluma Appel Theatre (876-seats), The Berkeley Street Theatres (the 244-seat Downstairs Theatre and 168-seat Upstairs Theatre), and the Dream in High Park, an outdoor amphitheatre featuring Shakespearean classics each summer. Canadian Stage is dedicated to attracting and developing the best artists and plays in Canada and promoting its Canadian productions in international markets. The Company is also committed to educating and developing audiences and to the promotion and training of artists through a variety of outreach programs. For more information, refer to canstage.com.
THE ELEPHANT MAN - DETAILS
PREVIEWS: October 8 - 10, 2007
OPENS: October 11 – November 3, 2007
SCHEDULE: Monday-Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.; matinees Wednesday 1:30 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m.
LOCATION: Canadian Stage – Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front Street East
TICKETS: From $20. Available in person at the Canadian Stage Customer Service Centres, 26 Berkeley St. or 27 Front St. E., by phone at Canadian Stage 416.368.3110 and Ticketmaster at 416.872.1111, and online at canstage.com
RUSH SEATS: May be purchased for any performance one hour prior to show time. Rush seats are subject to availability and half the regular ticket price.
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN: For Monday-night performances only, pay-what-you-can tickets are subject to availability and must be purchased in person at the Canadian Stage Box Office beginning at 10 a.m. on the day of the performance.
GROUPS OF 10+ ALWAYS SAVE: Contact Group Sales Manager Christina Hotz at 416.367.8243 x266 or
chotz@canstage.comTHE ELEPHANT MAN TALK BACKS and TEA TALKS: Informal question-and-answer periods provide a chance to meet the artists following a performance at the Bluma Appel Theatre. After every Tuesday evening and Wednesday matinee show. For details: Patty Jarvis at 416-367-8243 ext. 245 or
pjarvis@canstage.com.
