Sept. 22, 2017
By Norm Scott
“We are inspired by the beauty of John Merrick’s life.” – Frank Caiati, Director’s
Note, Rockaway Roster, Post Theater, Fort Tilden.
I was at opening night of the Rockaway Theatre Company’s
production, “The Elephant Man” a play I normally wouldn’t see because the
subject matter makes the audience look at serious issues and my fragile brain
muscle is not equipped to do too much of that thinking stuff. But I felt enough
stirrings to go back for more this weekend where I expect my brain to double
the size of the dumbbells it will be lifting.
I was thinking of how
to write up this complex play when I noticed RTC stalwart Jodee Timpone’s
comment on Facebook. So I asked Jodee if I can steal her words, which are so
much more elegant than any I could write.
“I went to see ‘The Elephant Man’. If I'm being honest, I
went more to support my friends and theater company than of a burning desire to
see this particular play. But from the minute the curtain opened, I knew I was
going to see something special. And I was not wrong.
Before I joined RTC, I went to the theater to be
entertained. Now, having learned so much from my 10 years there, I look at
theater with different eyes. And perhaps that is why I can overlook the
somewhat dismal subject matter of this play and appreciate the brilliance of
this production.
The set: not elaborate, yet very cool incorporating the use
of built in arches and well executed entrances and exits thru those arches to
take the audience from one "scene" to another .
The costumes: there are no words.
The acting: from the ensemble with their crisp sharp
movements and well delivered dialogue to the lead who makes you forget he is
not actually deformed... excellent.
And finally, to Frankie [Caiati], the director... your
creativity is boundless and to execute your vision as you did is extraordinary.
Kudos to you all.”
Jodee Timpone
Like Jodee, I too have had my view of the theater as a
concept changed over the past decade and now have a much broader understanding
of all aspects of theater production. I’ve especially learned to appreciate the
work actors do, something that is so difficult that I marvel at how people can
turn themselves into someone else one moment and turn back into themselves the
next and being so believable in their roles and confusing my feeble little
brain. I’ve especially seen that backstage watching some of the lead actors
prepare. It is always nice to watch the mix of RTC vets, more recent recruits
and those making their RTC debuts.
The lead role of John Merrick is played by RTC newcomer
Byron Hagan, a role played most recently on Broadway by no less than Bradley Cooper
in addition to David Bowie and Philip Anglim. Merrick was severely deformed but
Hagan is called upon to simulate these deformities without makeup – only by
twisting his body and his face to convince the audience. And boy does he
deliver. Bryon is a graduate of the famous Actor’s Studio.
Another major role is played by RTC newcomer O’mer Komen as
Mrs. Kendal, who creates a moving character who gains Merrick’s trust and
brings her friends, the upper crust of society, to meet him who had so recently
been shunned by all. The key role of the doctor is played by director Caiati
himself, an RTC vet of 15 years. Other long-time RTC vets in the marvelous cast
are Tom Kane, Fred Grieco, Frank Freeman and Susan Corning who are joined by
recent recruits over the past two years, Brian Sadowski, Rob Mintzes, Adele
Wendt and Dana Mongelli. Rob, Adele and Dana are all grads of Frank Caiati’s
acting class, which he gives every fall. I too am a proud grad – multiple times
– I keep getting left back.
This weekend is the last chance to see this play, the final
play of the season for the RTC, though there is still the reprise of Rockaway
Café with its all star cast to come in November. www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org
or call the ticket hotline at 718-374-6400.
With the play closing this Sunday, RTC turns its attention
to the October 7, 8PM, performance of The Rhapsody Players, a wonderful singing
group that includes RTC vet Renee Steadman-Titus. John Heffernan, who played
one of he leads in last year’s La Cage Aux Folles, leads the group. The October
7 event at the RTC is a fundraiser for someone dear to the group in danger of
losing a leg. Tickets are $20. Reservations- email Broadwayjack@earthlink.net
or call 646-335-2710.
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