The Elephant Man

I don’t see as many plays as musicals, but I had to see Bradley Cooper and the show that was getting so much buzz. I was delighted. It’s a fascinating story about Joseph Merrick (The Elephant Man) and Cooper portrays him so well. I was blown away by his performance, especially without the assistance of costume and makeup.
We sat in Mezzanine Center, Row D, Seat 107 – 108 ($ 158.88/each including taxes and fees) and it had a great view of the stage.
The merchandise was nice and several included Bradley Cooper’s portrait with the main cast members’ names.
After the show, I waited with the large crowd for the cast to come out and mingle with the fans. It was freezing and we waited for some time, but eventually, Alessandro Nivola came out and kindly signed autographs. There were about two rows of people in front of me, so I didn’t get a chance to meet Nivola.
Finally, Bradley Cooper graces the area and people are frantic! He started at one end of the blocked area and made his way around the circle. I was determined to have my Playbill autographed! When he came around, I held my Playbill out and as he was signing it, I blurted, «Brad, you were amazing!» He looked up at me and said, «Thank you!» Our eyes met for a few magical seconds. I was elated. Best. moment. EVER.

This show was awesome and the fact that Bradley Cooper starred in it simply blew my mind! The show is now closed but I’m so glad I got to see it! Also I can’t believe there are only 8 or 9 reviews on Unilocal for this show, the theater was packed when I went 2 months ago!

This was one of the best shows I have ever seen on Broadway or in any other theater, and I’ve seen many. It was touching and amazing, and very well done. Bradley Cooper’s physical control is astounding. This is a must see play. highly recommend.

Excellent production. While no make up is used to portray Joseph Merrick Bradley Cooper does an excellent job transforming himself into character. His opening scene brilliantly transforms (deforms) him into the elephant man. Moments of levity hide the true sadness that is this story. A great ensemble all around.

I enjoyed Mr. Copper in this production however why is he not using any make-​up or prosthetics? Is it because of ego? Are we to see that John Merrick «The Elephant Man» inside is beautiful? Sure. This pretty boy from 3 Hangover movies has really proven himself to be a worthy actor. (American Sniper is great and he’s great in it.) But why does he look like he’s on the cover of GQ on stage? It was like he was having dinner at Sardi’s and just decided to drop into the theater to show off. My guess is he just didn’t want to cover his pretty face. I mean he’s a movie star why would he slum for Broadway? Ha! This robbed the production of much of its power in my estimation. Did I enjoy it? Very much –but think about it: why is the most hideously ugly human being that ever lived being played by that handsome mugging guy from The Hangover movies? They then showed historic horrific pictures of the real guy but still it just reminds you of the fact that there’s Bradley Cooper dressed like a dandy next to the images. I kept waiting for him to say «I am not a man — I am that smug actor from The Hangover.» Ahhhh is there no end to the actors ego?
Footnote: do you remember that Michael Jackson was obsessed with The Elephant Man and tried to buy his actual bones? He even had an animated elephant man in his excellent «Leave Me Alone» video. I wonder if he would want to jump this elephant man’s bones? No. Probably not. Bradley Cooper’s too old at this point.

Watched it the first weekend it came out. My man said he paid an arm and a leg for the tickets so we were super excited and expected to be blown away. Going in, we were expecting Bradley Cooper and his fellow castmates to add something special to the otherwise somewhat dull storyline. However, we still felt the play was anti-​climactic and only galvanized such popularity because of Bradley Cooper

Let’s me honest: I had never heard of The Elephant Man until I found out that Bradley Cooper was going to be starring in a revival of that play. Only then did I look into what it was all about. I have been a fan of B. Cooper since his Alias days and I pretty much would have been game for what ever play he would be in. Fortunately, The Elephant Man at the Booth Theatre did not disappoint.
The play is very interesting. It follows the life of «The Elephant Man» a man with a rare disease so is treated like a freak show and helps people earn money that way. Eventually he is taken in by a doctor who becomes his friend, studies him, and helps him feel normal. The story is touching, sad, and at times funny as well.
The acting is fantastic all around. The main actors are Bradley Cooper as the disfigured man, Alessandro Nivola (of Jurassic Park 3 & Junebug) as the doctor, and Patricia Clarkson (Easy A, Station Agent) as an actress who befriends the main character as well. They all carry their own and each have moments to shine throughout the show. Cooper shows his ability to make his body show the deformity (no makeup is used), Nivola has an emotional scene toward the end, and Clarkson has great comedic timing.
After the show they all came out and signed stuff and took pictures. They were actually quite cool about it.
The Elephant Man ends in February so if you have a chance you should check it out!

I loved this play. Bradley Cooper, Alessandro Nivola, and Patricia Clarkson all put on amazing performances. Yes when you first see Bradley on stage you say to yourself «Oh shit, that is Bradley Cooper». By the end you feel an emotional connection to the Elephant Man. I was expecting a lot of makeup or a body suit. That was not the case. The essence of the Elephant Man is truly brought out by the entire cast. It is quite incredible.
There are laughs, cries, and just an overall impressiveness on the amazing acting. The theater itself is pretty small and offers great seats wherever you are. Buy your tickets soon before the show ends as it is a limited engagement.
I don’t want to give any spoilers but waiting outside post show is probably worth it. Check for tickets on something like today tix. That’s where I got mine and only cost me $ 100.

To be completely honest my impression of «The Elephant Man» prior to watching the play was this: A story of a beautiful man named Bradley Cooper playing a deformed man (while still actually being beautiful.)
Yes, I came for the celebrity name, but this play is SO much more than that. The acting is phenomenal, the plot engaging (and based on the true story of Joseph Merrick), and the themes depressingly existential but necessary. No prosthetics are used, so Bradley Cooper had to portray his deformity by physically manipulating his face and body.
I am not someone who watches plays very often, let alone Broadway shows (Student=poor.) But this show is worth it!

Just saw the Elephant man in previews. Awesome show. Great acting from Bradley Cooper and Patricia Clarkson. Tony award worthy.