Review: ‘The Elephant Man’ at New Place Studio Theatre

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‘Sometimes I think my head is so big because it is so full of dreams.’ Such lyricism sporadically punctuates the clinical precision of ‘The Elephant Man.’ If this efficient Andak Stage Company revival of Bernard Pomerance’s 1979 Tony winner is more appreciable than rending, it’s certainly not from lack of intelligence.

Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (here renamed John), a severely deformed Victorian cause célèbre, ‘Elephant Man’ posits its narrative in restrained theatrical terms. Unlike David Lynch’s 1980 film (not based on the play), Merrick’s disfigurement registers through physical and vocal suggestion rather than makeup or prostheses. This device offers the actor playing Merrick a virtuoso opportunity, with Daniel Reichert in a beautifully understated, subtly calibrated performance.

Abby Craden’s Mrs. Kendal meets him head-on, and their colleagues in the adroit ensemble are agreeable, competently switching personas in Kim DeShazo Wilkinson’s period costumes. Director John DeMita has some smart ideas, such as his use of the reconfigured venue’s entryway and Max Quill’s Harry Potter-esque violinist, and maintains a briskly unsentimental tone.

That proves a liability. Pomerance’s script transpires in detached episodes that derive their punch from the rising cadences and emotional depth of the playing, which here comes and goes. For example, Andrew Matthews as fervent Dr. Treves is proficient, yet his youthfully academic attack doesn’t exactly illuminate the character’s conflicts of transference. Moreover, too many scenes abruptly end before they land, making it easier to admire ‘Elephant Man’ than be consistently moved by it.

-- David C. Nichols

‘The Elephant Man,’ New Place Studio Theatre, 10950 Peach Grove St., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Ends June 21. $25. (866) 811-4111. Running time: 1 hour, 45 minutes.