The Elephant Man (Gallery Players) NYC Reviews and Tickets

85%

(22 Reviews)

Positive

100%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Great acting, Absorbing, Entertaining, Thought-provoking, Intense

About the Show

The Gallery Players present the classic drama which tells the true story of John Merrick, a horribly deformed young man who was the star freak attraction in traveling side shows, before he was rescued by a young doctor.

Admitted to London’s prestigious Whitechapel hospital under the care of the celebrated young physician Frederick Treves, Merrick is introduced to London society. He slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati, but time and again society is shown, due to its privilege and decay, to be almost a carnival in itself.

Member Reviews (22)

Profound, Romantic, Enchanting, Heartfelt, Moving

See it if Tender ode contrasting the frailty of the human body with our capacity to love, if we so choose. Wonderful characters. Great acting.

Don't see it if You aren’t interested in a slow drama where most of the action consists of people’s feelings and how they develop.

Thought-provoking, Resonant, Great acting, Intense, Quirky

See it if Gallagher's direction is the highlight of this well-crafted production Seemlessly evocative on the sparce set w/excellent leads; its a gem

Don't see it if Pomerance's plot looses focus in 2nd act as he reaches for a historical framework for Treves' moral crisis; direction works around pitfalls

Critic Reviews (2)

“Gallagher has shaped a gloomy atmosphere...The stamina of Meyer’s distressed physicality often emotes more than the conversational pieces; at times the attention to dialogue exposes the potential that is absent from the more contemplative segments...An eloquently written, thoughtful play; in this instance, well put together, if not a little too restrained...Overall, the Gallery Players’ production is commendable for its safeguarding of a heart-rending story.”
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“The Gallery Players strikes the right note with this revival of ‘The Elephant Man’ depicting the real-life story of Joseph Merrick (John Merrick), the Victorian Era curiosity who aspires to live a normal life. The lead role is a challenging one requiring M. Rowan Meyer to contort his body, throw his voice, and delve into the feelings of a character whose deformities leave him devoid of any meaningful human contact. Meyer is extraordinary and shines alongside an impressive cast.”
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