Patricia Clarkson, Alessandro Nivola to co-star in 'Elephant Man'

NEW YORK, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Patricia Clarkson, Bradley Cooper and Alessandro Nivola are to star in Bernard Pomerance's "The Elephant Man" on Broadway this fall, producers said.

The trio appeared together in the 2012 Williamstown Theater Festival production of the play, which was directed by Scott Ellis. Clarkson will reprise her role of Mrs. Kendal, while Cooper will play again John Merrick and Nivola will play Dr. Fredrik Treves. Ellis will helm the Broadway staging, as well.

"From a desperate existence in a Victorian freak show to his days as the toast of London high society, the life of John Merrick, the Elephant Man, has fascinated the world for well over a century," a news release said.

"Though his disfigurement brought notoriety, it was his unblemished inner humanity that most astonished those around him, compelling examinations of their own prejudices and beliefs. Shattering our illusions of normalcy, 'The Elephant Man' by Bernard Pomerance weaves Merrick's tale into a parable on beauty, innocence, and human dignity."