News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Angey Saucier Date: 4/29/03   SOUTHEASTERN THEATRE PRESENTS THE ELEPHANT MAN       HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University Theatre will present it’s last production of the spring 2003 season, The Elephant Man, April 30-May 3 in the university’s Vonnie Borden Theatre.  Based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the 19th century, The Elephant Man tells the tail of a horribly deformed young man who has been a freak attraction in traveling side shows. He is found abandoned and helpless and is admitted for observation to Whitechappel, a prestigious London hospital.        Under the care of a famous young doctor, Merrick is educated and introduced to London society, where he changes from a sensational object of pity to the urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati.        “But Merrick’s belief that he can become a man like any other is a dream never to be realized,” said Southeastern Theatre director Selisa Hue.       The Elephant Man was written by American playwright Bernard Pomerance. During the production’s opening season, it won all major drama awards, including three Tony Awards, three Obie Awards, the Drama Desk Award, and the New York Drama Circle Award.       Clarence Wethern of Hammond has the title role, and the cast also includes Jonathan Creighton, Metairie; Jeff Lukas, Mandeville; Jacob Zeringue, Bogalusa; Whitney Allen, Betsy Mayeux, Vasil Cvetkov, Dennis Thomas, and Erin Klein, Hammond; Natalie Austin and David Tribou, Ponchatoula; and Shawn Curry, Luling.       Josh Tillotson of Hammond is serving as set designer; lighting designer and technical director is faculty member Steve Schepker. Cast members will be wearing costume designed by Southeastern theatre faculty member Robin Steptoe and moving to the steps of choreographer Jessica Lee of Kentwood. Video production and design is by Aaron Yazbeck of Abita Springs.       Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performances will be available at the Vonnie Borden box office, located in the lobby of D Vickers Hall each evening of the performances. Tickets are $5 general admission, $3 senior citizens and students, and free for all Southeastern students with a valid university ID.       For additional information, contact the department of music and dramatic arts at 985-549-2184. Return to News Releases