‘The Elephant Man’ Takes Stage at UNA Oct 29-31, Nov. 5-7
Sep. 29, 2009
FLORENCE, Ala. – Bernard Pomerance’s Tony Award-winning drama “The Elephant Man” will take stage at the University of North Alabama Oct. 29-31 and Nov. 5-7. Show time is 7:30 each evening in Norton Auditorium. Tickets are $5 for students and UNA employees and $10 for the general public.
“The Elephant Man,” set in the Victorian era, is based on the true life story of Joseph Merrick, a man born with extreme physical deformations caused by a congenital disorder. The play highlights the repressive social attitudes of Victorian times as well as the society’s scientific ideas concerning the survival of the fittest.
The play contains subject matter that may be unsuitable for some audiences.
“The Elephant Man” is being produced by special arrangements with Samuel French Inc., New York City. It is being directed by Dr. David Ruebhausen, associate professor of theatre.
The following UNA students are involved in the play as cast members or as members of the production crew:
| ROLE | NAME | HOMETOWN |
| Dr. Treves | Mark Keeton | Trinity |
| Ross | Michael Baldwin | Birmingham |
| Pinheads | Lesley Harper | Madison |
| Belgian Police, Conductor | James Baxley | Muscle Shoals |
| Pinheads | Andrea Swafford | Alabaster |
| Miss Sandwich | Cynthia Billups | Brighton |
| Merrick | Andrew Maxwell | Rogersville |
| Pinheads Owner, London Police | Luke Hunter | Powder Springs, Ga. |
| Belgian Police, Porter (Will) | R.J. O’Connell | Florence |
| Mr. Gomm | Matt Mallard | Decatur |
| Duchess | Kat Purcell | Trinity |
| Bishop Howe | Tim Spearing | Hazel Green |
| Mrs. Kendal | Kette Jex | Florence |
| Mrs. Kendal | Liza Montgomery | Florence |
| Merrick | Forrest Harlan | Florence |
| Princess Alexandra | Chelsea Hughes | Sheffield |
| Lord John | Max Raybon | Tuscumbia |
| Countess | Julia Gilchrist | Florence |
| Snork | Aaryn Kilpatrick | Cordova |
| Assistant Director | Bryan Becklean | Muscle Shoals |
| Assistant Director, Costume Designer | Brittany James | Russellville |
| Stage Manager | Bryan Hall | Russellville |
| Scene Designer | Matthew Bryant | Gallant |
| Dramaturg | Brinna Brown | Florence |
| Assistant Technical Director | Jake Faulkner | Russellville |
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: The cast and crew of “The Elephant Man” will be available to the media for photos at 6 p.m. Oct. 26 in Norton Auditorium.