The last two performances of “Elephant’s Graveyard” are at 7:30 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 29 and this Saturday, Sept. 30 in the Deane Center’s Coolidge Theatre at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.

Audience members commented on the show after seeing it on opening night, Sept. 22.

“The ideas about ‘progress’ and whether progress is good or bad, the struggle of a New Testament preacher in an Old Testament town, the statements about blacks finally feeling safe when the town was getting ready to hang someone else, the questions about what makes America ‘great’ (so much resonance these days with that language) – all in a 70-minute package. Wow,” said KaDee Jay.

After attending the Friday night performance, I am still at a loss for words at the actions and attitudes of the two ‘communities’ involved in this story. Like the two ‘communities’ in 1916, we are often people who take sides, draw conclusions without a pause and have few people to initiate community, caring, and ‘let’s wait and do right,’ Susan Halverstadt said.

“There is plenty to see, think about and talk about in this play. The conflict is both old and current,” said Hilma Cooper.

“I was amazed by the casting,” said Ed “Skeet” Sholonski. “Each actor was perfect for their role. Some actors were familiar faces on the HG stage, and some were new talents, which is always enjoyable to see. The drama and intensity in this production made it probably the strongest I have ever seen. I clearly was not alone. The audience was left speechless. I am very grateful HG took this on because of the significance of the relatable subject matter that is clearly, timeless.”
 

“’Elephant’s Graveyard;’ was one of those plays that had me curious when I saw it advertised and it did not disappoint,” said Kate Sholonski. “I love how a theatrical production can stimulate my thoughts, reasoning, understanding, and insights into why humans behave the way they do. I appreciated the simplicity that made for this poignant story to be presented in a way that made room for audience members to use their imaginations as the story was told. I was reminded how when we humans stop caring, stop listening, and instead bulldoze our perspective, we may end up making choices that will often be later regretted. After sitting in silence for a few minutes when the show ended, I walked away thinking what I would have done if I had personally been on either side of this heart-wrenching experience. The fact that this thought even came to mind was proof to me that my time in this audience was well spent.”

“Elephant’s Graveyard” is about the collision of a struggling circus and a tiny town in Tennessee that results in a tragedy. Set in September of 1916, the play combines historical fact and legend, exploring the deep-seated American craving for spectacle, violence and revenge. It conjures a world with its own atmosphere and terrible internal logic. It’s mesmerizing and symphonic in its emotional variations on a tragic theme.

The 15 characters represent two different communities, the traveling circus and residents of the small town.

Admission is $16 for adults ages 19 and up and $8 for students, 18 and under. A FlexPass is $75.

Order tickets in advance at hgp.booktix.com or by calling the HG office at 570-724-2079 with credit card information.