Jason Haws is a brilliant actor. His portrayal of John Merrick in Harlequin Production’s staging of The Elephant Man is nothing shy of amazing. His ability to bring to life the true-life story of a disfigured man comes to light in the opening scene as he fluidly transforms himself from bare actor on a stage to the deformed lump of humanity that was the man who went down in history as the Elephant Man.



This important scene illustrates the whole show since it is not one that focuses on the deformities Merrick had but the human being found below the sores and malformed bones as the show marches through the final years, of his life as he goes from circus sideshow to holding court with the well-to-do of Europe.



Supporting Haws’ strong performance is a cast of solid thespians in their own right, from Scott Lendzion as the physician Frederick Treves to Amy Hill as a marionette turned quasi Greek chorus member.



Another stellar show on a South Sound stage is Footloose at Tacoma Musical Playhouse. Matt Posner, of course, is great in the lead role of the dancer turned rebel, Ren. Elise Campello does likewise in her role as his love interest, Ariel, who just happens to be the preacher’s daughter. And the preacher isn’t too fond of dancing.

The choreography is tight and sharp. The harmonies are smooth and solid. The scenery is simple and effective. The energy is high and builds from there in all the right spots.



[State Theater, The Elephant Man, through April 11, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $24-$33, 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.786.0151]



[Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Footloose, through April 5, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, $18-$25, 7116 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.565.6867]



Steve Dunkelberger has covered the South Sound theater scene for 14 years.  He can be reached at viewfromthecheapseats@bigfoot.com or at his virtual voice mail at 320.216. 5007.