‘Elephant Man’ opens

Tom Titus

From the romantic beauty of the Caribbean in its season opener, “Once

on This Island,” the Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts

moves into more serious territory tonight with the opening of the

fact-based drama “The Elephant Man” in the Huntington Beach High School

auditorium.

This Tony Award-winning play by Bernard Pomerance about the hideously

deformed John Merrick saved from exploitation as a freak show exhibit by

a caring physician is a demanding assignment for the APA students, and

one their director regards as a particular favorite.

“‘The Elephant Man’ is a play I have long wanted to do because of the

power and beauty of the script,” declares director Robert Rotenberry.

“John Merrick had to deal not only with his physical deformity, but being

a social outcast as well.

“He was a man who was intelligent, spiritual, sensitive and romantic,”

the director notes. “The play gives him a sense of humor as well, and it

not only makes us think but makes us feel.”

Playing the title role in the APA production will be Ryan Hill, with

Kyle Orosz taking the part of his benefactor, Dr. Frederick Treves. Other

major performers are Ryan Field as Carr Gomm, the hospital administrator,

Cole Burbidge as Ross, the man who exploits Merrick andNathan Singh as

Bishop How, Merrick’s spiritual advisor.

Rounding out the cast will be Christopher Lona, Devri Richmond, Tim

Pierson, Jeff Eberly, Jill Prout, Annya Prostenko, Joanne Childers, Beth

Dutton, Allison Gibbons, Kassidy Harper and Mindy Patrick. The technical

director is Joe Batte, and Kathleen Timm is designing the costumes.

“I also find the theatricality of the piece very appealing,”

Rotenberry adds. “The actors, especially Ryan Hill as John Merrick, have

been very enjoyable to work with. The collaborative nature that this

production has been is what theater is all about.”

The Elephant Man

WHEN: 7:30 tonight through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Academy for the Performing Arts, Huntington Beach High School,

1905 Main St.

TICKETS: $8 adults, $6 students and senior citizens

INFORMATION: (714) 536-2514 Ext. 302

CUTLINE: Kyle Orosz, Devri Richmond and Ryan Hill (from left) in the

Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts production of “The

Elephant Man,” opening tonight at Huntington Beach High School.