"The Elephant Man"
Begins Fall Season
At New Rep

New Repertory Theatre will open its 30th season with the Bernard Pomerance drama "The Elephant Man." Directed by Jim Petosa, "The Elephant Man" will be presented from September 7 - 29 in the Charles Mosesian Theater at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, in Watertown.

The Tony Award-winning drama offers an intense look at John Merrick, a physically deformed Londoner of the late 1880s. Intelligent and sensitive, he strives to be normal, even as he is viewed as a carnival freak and later a scientific celebrity by London’s socialites.

The deeply poignant story raises questions about faith, science, charity, and with particular resonance for our time, asks us to consider societal responsibility -- what does it mean for citizens to be responsible for one another.

The company features Esme Allen, Joel Colodner, Russell Garrett, Michael Kaye, Michael Kaye, Ross MacDonald with Tim Spears as John Merrick.

Petosa commented, “This revival resonates today because the play raises larger issues about the human need for and right to basic health care. The character Dr. Frederick Treves ends up doing precious little for Merrick (the elephant man) or the further great masses of human suffering. Today, congress attempts to repeal Obamacare -- we still face the dilemma of determining who deserves healthcare and at which level. Is it a privilege of economic success? Is it a basic human right? We're still asking.”

Tim Spears returns to New Repertory Theatre after performing in "Amadeus" and "Mister Roberts." His other area credits include "Clybourne Park" (Speakeasy Stage Company); "Monster," "House," "Good," and "A Question of Mercy" (Boston Center for American Performance); and "The Devil’s Teacup" (Boston Playwright’s Theatre). In New York he performed in "A Question of Mercy" (Potomac Theatre Project) and "JUMP!" and "Realism" (The Exchange).

For information and tickets, stop by the box office, call 617-923-8487 or visit newrep.org.

Free garage is available in the six level garage next to the Arsenal Center for the Arts.