An Extraordinary Man
In The Most Ordinary of Circumstances
The tale of the Elephant Man has mesmerized both stage and screen audiences for well over a century. Its endless facets offer not only a rare look into John Merrick’s unique human condition; it also provides every observer a glimpse into the deepest, unexplored corners of one’s own fears...and most intimate hopes.
In many respects the account of this one tragic, yet triumphant life is both a mirror and a benchmark for us all; for if this outwardly hideous human can find peace amid persecution, and friends despite all of his adversity; then the prospects for our own happiness is that much brighter.
And if this extraordinary man somehow managed to experience that one ordinary, yet elusive thing we all need most, LOVE… then truly, there is hope for us all.
Conceived by lyricist/composer Yale Hirsch, and loosely based on the 1923 written remembrances of Merrick’s physician and friend, DR. FREDRICK TREVES. Merrick and Melissa has been re-worked and adapted by composer, John Gentry Tennyson and writer Bart L. Green.
