by Bernard Pomerance,
July 18 - 20, 24 - 26, 2008

"The Elephant Man" This is the true story of a man whose body is hideously deformed, but within is a remarkably sensitive and intelligent being. Merrick is exploited by Victorian society and philanthropy. He is befriended by an ambitious and brilliant young surgeon who looks after him in his last few years finding him a home in a London hospital where the lovable freak's presence is shrewdly used for fund raising. Merrick is introduced to high society, becoming dependent on the success his deformity brings him. A well known actress tries to ease his sexual loneliness, but her efforts are thwarted by hypocrisy. Even those who love him can't help him and ultimately he dies from his horrible affliction.

Directed by Valerie Parga. Valerie is back after having directed "The Miracle Worker" for TIP in 2007. The play was named The Best Drama of 2007 by the Illinois Times. Valerie received her BA in Theatre from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1993. Her directing experience includes Crimes of the Heart, A Christmas Story, Deathtrap and Acorns to Oaks.. She is a member of West Side Christian church where she assists with Children’s Musicals as the Drama Director. Her acting experience includes performances in many productions including Equuis, Come Back to the Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, The American Dream, The Boar, Jesus Christ Superstar and Witness for the Prosecution. Valerie is a very proud mother to her son Caleb and welcomes the opportunity to direct again at TIP.