VFR’s ‘elephant man’ a thing of beauty
Dr. Treves (Thorin Ketelsen) observes Merrick, who stands beside the model of St. Philip’s Church he made, in a scene from Voices Found Repertory’s “The Elephant Man.”
By Marilyn Jozwik
Published March 9, 2020
It isn’t often that a play finds a hero as unattractive as the one in “The Elephant Man” by Bernard Pomerance.
Ross (Michael Chobanoff) talks to Merrick, the Elephant Man (Zach Ursem) in a scene from Voices Found Repertory’s “The Elephant Man.”
The play, presented by Voices Found Repertory, is based on the true story of Joseph Merrick, who developed terrible physical deformities as a child that rendered him beyond ugly. When he was in his 20s, he was displayed in a freak show where he was known as “Elephant Man.”
Playing the part of Merrick is incredibly challenging in so many ways. Zach Ursem is tasked with that role and he is splendid. Without prosthetics or makeup, Ursem contorts his body and face to help create the character’s appearance. But more than that, he captures his character’s tortured existence, yet his gentle and wise nature.
“The Elephant Man” opens in 1880s London with Ross (Michael Chobanoff) exhorting passers-by to come inside and see the Elephant Man. Among
the visitors is Dr. Treves (Thorin Ketelsen), who is able to examine Merrick
and give a lecture on Merrick’s mysterious condition. The freak show moves on
to Brussels, where police shut down the Elephant Man’s appearance. Ross steals
Merrick’s money and sends him back to London, where his appearance causes a
near riot and Treves is called upon to save the tormented Merrick.
The Pinhead Manager (Brittany Haut) directs the incompetents (Haley Ebinal, left, and Mary Buchel) before their freak show appearance in a scene from Voices Found Repertory’s “The Elephant Man.”
Treves is able to keep Merrick in the basement of a London
Hospital, but soon funds run out. After Carr-Gomm (Samuel J. Olson), an official
of the hospital, has a letter reprinted in the newspaper donations come in, allowing
Merrick to stay at the hospital for the remainder of his short life. He died
when he was 27.
At first deemed an imbecile, Merrick soon displays surprising intelligence and sensitivity. When a staff member at the hospital is fired for a small infraction in the play, Merrick worries what will happen to his family, remembering the horrible days he himself spent in workhouses. Treves is unconcerned, telling Merrick that rules must be followed and “rules make us happy.”
A policeman (Andrew Kelly) and conductor (Samuel J. Olson) confront Merrick (Zach Ursem) on the train in a scene from Voices Found Repertory’s “The Elephant Man.”
With his one good hand, Merrick builds of cards a model of St. Philip’s Church and soon becomes somewhat of a celebrity, visited by persons of high society including Mrs. Kendal, who is struck by Merrick’s thoughtful interpretation of “Romeo and Juliet.” Through Treves’s efforts, they see beyond his appearance, recognizing his humanity. In a moving scene, these people of respected society come forward to declare how they are, indeed, like the Elephant Man.
But while Merrick is becoming more normal, Treves sees his health
deteriorating. In a dream – another well-done, poignant moment in this show –
Treves is put on display as the freak while a normal Merrick points out his
abnormalities.
The show, directed by Brandon Haut, is nicely staged with a simple gray backdrop to depict the London scenes as well as Merrick’s basement home. Between scenes, phrases are shown on the wall to summarize what’s to come, such as “The Weight of Dreams,” which mirrors Merrick’s statement: “Sometimes I think my head is so big because it is so full of dreams.”
Indeed, the show has a dreamlike quality, a softness that Ursem helps create with his introspective character.
As Treves, Ketelsen gradually becomes as tormented as Merrick once was, finding that his best efforts and rigid ways don’t lead to success. Ketelsen captures the doctor’s somewhat arrogant qualities as well as his insecurities.
Chobanoff provides distinctive, well-drawn characterizations to both Ross as Merrick’s freak show manager and the archbishop, who sees Merrick
as a “true Christian in the rough,” while Olson is a fittingly stuffy
Carr-Gomm.
Haley Ebinal as Mrs. Kendal is wonderful in her scenes with Ursem, showing how her character gradually warms to Merrick’s musings and how she, too, is able to see the person within.
In several smaller roles, Mary Buchel, Andrew Kelly and Brittany Haut all give solid performances.
If you go:
Who: Voices Found Repertory
What: “The Elephant Man”
When: Through March 15
Where: Underground Collaborative, 161 W. Wisconsin Ave.,
Milwaukee
Info/Tickets: voicesfoundrep.com