Merrick & Melissa

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 prospect 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.

THE STORY

Conceived by composer Yale Hirsch, and based, in part, on the 1923 written remembrances of Merrick's physician and friend, DR. FREDRICK TREVES; the curtain rises on a London street alive with pedestrians, clowns, and acrobats; setting the scene of an 1884 freak exhibition with the rousing overture, "The World's Most Spectacular Show." In this carnival atmosphere, side show regulars 'LOMAR, THE STRONG MAN' and 'GEORGE, THE GIANT' vie for the attention of the crowd with their competing renditions of "No One Is More Beautiful Than Me." And the exhibition's seedy front man, SCHILLER, draws the curious closer with his plea, "Come And See The Elephant Man."

Out of the gawking crowd a dapper physician emerges and makes a request of Schiller. The doctor wishes to seriously examine the show's main attraction.

The disfigured form, in the spotlight, appears both horrifying and helpless. His whole miserable life people have stared at him. But no one, it appears, has ever truly seen him. And the creature ponders melodically, "Somewhere There Must Be Someone." The amazed doctor likewise muses for the eavesdropping audience. Puzzling over how and why this tragic mistake of creation could exist, he wonders aloud, "What Immortal Hand Or Eye?" It is a curious meeting for both human and beast.

Inevitably, the two meet again. After a long run of traveling side shows, beatings and robberies, Merrick is found alone in a Liverpool train depot, sick and penniless. With no one and no where else to go, Treves business card rescues the creature from the authorities and the doctor brings him to the 1890 state of the art facility, London Hospital.

What began as a curious meeting of human and beast, eventually becomes a friendship between a well-respected man of medicine and an unexpected - man.

Transformation

At London Hospital John Merrick flourishes. In these attentive surroundings, (where the majority of the story takes place), the 'animal' is gradually accepted by the hospital staff and the administrator, CARR-GOMM. And despite the complaints of resident skeptic, DR. BLESSINGTON, the patient is even given his own private rooms –thanks to the growing attention of London's benevolent high society.

It is in Merrick's home-like quarters that Treves discovers a self educated, well- mannered soul, capable of reciting both Shakespeare and scriptures. The once sideshow exhibit is able to write, sketch, and even admire the artistic form of a woman. On the mantle of the sitting room, the doctor finds framed pictures of John's mother and, to his surprise, a photograph of a popular young stage actress – which Treves obviously knows. Seeing this, the doctor is reminded that though Merrick is outwardly deformed he is (on the 'inside', like any man in his twenties; very much in his prime.

At a social gathering at Dr. Treves home, an elite collection of London notables sip their tea and discuss the "almost human-like" qualities of their latest cause, the Elephant Man. The doorbell rings and MELISSA DRURY enters, capturing the eyes of everyone in the room. All present are struck by her charm and beauty. The men stare, the women glare and it is obvious that there is "something" between the young woman and the married physician who invited her.

In an intimate moment between the two, Treves mention his famous patient's infatuation with the theatre, as well as Merrick's cherished photo of the actress. And the doctor is amused when he discovers, "...you wish to see the Elephant Man?"

"Mister Merrick," Melissa playfully corrects Treves. "And unlike his other patrons here, I do not wish to see him, I wish to meet him."
"I'm sure a chaperone can be arranged."
"Really? You think that is necessary?"
"I find him to be quite mild-mannered, but he may have unplumbed depths. I think his knowledge of women may be limited to romances and the Holy Scriptures."
"Then... he has no experience with a female?"
The two then explore in harmony the question, "What Could He Know Of A Woman?"

That exchange prompts Treves to orchestrate a rendezvous...

An Unlikely, Likely Pair

When Merrick and Melissa first set eyes on each other it is within the familiar surroundings of the patient's sitting room. Unlike Treves initial introduction, the moment is not a meeting of human and beast, but a connection between two souls who have both experienced 'the stage' and fanatic crowds who never bother to see their real character.

Although Dr. Treves and Administrator Gomm are waiting apprehensively just outside the door, it is the audience that is privy not only to the intelligent conversation between the unlikely pair, but also to Merrick's internal confession, "Never Have I Seen Such Loveliness" And Melissa's encouragement, "The Possibilities Are Unlimited."

...It is the first of many meetings.

When the equally famous duo are together, the outside world disappears... For the first time there is unbridled laughter in Merrick's rooms, as the two act out scenes from Shakespeare's plays and Melissa's stage performances. And as the couple becomes more comfortable with each other, those sounds turn to whispers, as they confess to one another long suppressed scenes from their surprisingly similar past. This unexpected intimacy prompts John to confess, (at least to himself), that when it comes to Melissa, he sings, "I want to be ...The One, Once."

It is a meeting of minds, a connection of spirits, and when Melissa's hand reaches for Merrick's deformed one, it becomes a bond that transcends any the Elephant Man has experienced. For the first time in his life John is truly happy. And sharing his new-found elation with his physician friend, Merrick declares in song, "She Likes Me!"

Overnight Miss Drury's hospital visits appear to come with more frequency. And to those on the Elephant Man's floor, the pretty young actress is seen not only at Merrick's door, but on more than one occasion, she is witnessed having a private, intimate moment with ...Dr. Treves.

Merrick is oblivious to it all. But the world is not unmindful of Merrick. Everyday the Elephant Man is visited by dignitaries who wish to see for themselves the rare elegance of the once side show oddity. Even the Royal Princess of Wales and her large entourage come to call on London's most popular patient.

The Show Must Go On

It appears everyone wants a moment with John Merrick...including his old boss, the seedy, Schiller. Realizing that his freak show empire is fading fast, the sadistic carnival barker decides to pull off one more scam... convince the Elephant Man that 'the show must go on.'

After an exceptionally pleasant visit with Miss Drury, the actress notes the late hour and the two say their goodnights. Though sad to see her go, a happy Merrick turns for his unique bed of multiple pillows, douses the candle and whispers, "Melissa." Then, out of the silence, the door flies open and in walks Schiller, along with a couple of his not-so- classy lady friends. The entourage barges in and make themselves at home. Merrick, in his night shirt, insists that they leave... Schiller, undaunted makes his case. And attempting to persuade the Elephant Man to join up again, he declares in song, "I Made You What You Are Today."

In this noisy, almost carnival-like mayhem Dr. Treves bursts in demanding, "What is all this?! Who are you people?" In the scuffle that follows Treves manages to restrain Schiller, then calls to Melissa (who is just outside the door), "Fetch the night porter!" To Merrick's surprise, Melissa, who he thought had left, quickly passes through the room, brushing Treves arm as she moves by him. It is an innocent gesture to anyone's eyes— but Merrick's.

Just a glimpse of a passing glance, yet that touch between his favorite visitor and his friend triggers a flood of questions in Merrick's breaking heart... What is she still doing here? Why did she lie about needing to go? Did she mean anything she said?

In an instant Merrick realizes what he must do, and sadly he tells the restrained Schiller, "You are right, sir. I belong with you. The show indeed must go on. Send a carriage for my things. I'll be ready in the morning."

Feeling the jumble of emotions that only a human can, John Merrick despondently rejoins his former companions Lomar The Strongman and George The Giant on the road. And once more the tragedy of The Elephant Man goes on exhibit...

What intimate secret is Dr. Treves and Melissa withholding from Merrick? Does Miss Drury have any true feelings for the Elephant Man, or is the therapeutic time she spends with him just another role for a consummate actress? Will John Merrick finally experience the love he has been denied his entire life? Or will the Elephant Man be visited with the pain that every mortal endures at least once?

The answers can be found between the dialogue and the final curtain, between the lines and spaces of the music, between the two human hearts of...

Merrick & Melissa.