The song "Kiss Me" continued to gain traction, reaching about 200,000 streams in just two days. The artist "Lucid" was becoming a topic of discussion on the internet, especially after a few more unpolished songs were released. These tracks, while not as popular as "Kiss Me," still managed to attract tens of thousands of listeners within days.
On Reddit, a music-related thread about "Lucid" was buzzing with activity:
OP: "Heard of this artist Lucid? His song Kiss Me became my favorite. His voice is also charming, I wonder what he looks like."
"I know, right? His voice is incredible! I bet he's handsome."
"I want to see him too!"
"Just brace yourselves for disappointment if he turns out to be just average-looking."
"His voice kinda reminds me of Lucas Knight."
"Agree, but L.K is not the only one with such a voice, alright?"
"L.K is a hunk, but I don't think he'd release a song on Spotify as an independent artist."
As days passed, "Lucid" gained more attention. Some listeners drew comparisons to Lucas Knight's voice, but these opinions were often dismissed or downplayed in discussions.
"Another Lucas Knight sound-alike? There are plenty of guys with similar voices."
"Let's appreciate Lucid for who he is, not who he sounds like."
Time flew by, and Lucas found himself immersed in preparations for "The Elephant Man." He'd been rehearsing with the cast members and director Scott Ellis, alongside fellow actors Patricia Clarkson and Alessandro Nivola.
Lucas arrived early at the theatre, where he was greeted by Ellis with a warm smile.
"Lucas," Ellis said, extending his hand. "It's been a while. Still got control over that body of yours for the role?"
Lucas grinned, clasping Ellis's hand firmly. "Even better now. I've been practicing for months."
While this wasn't entirely true - Lucas had been using his "Mind Workshop" to perfect the role - the results were undeniable. He'd spent countless mental hours honing the physicality required for John Merrick's character.
The Mind Workshop had been invaluable, allowing Lucas to perfect the physicality of Joseph Merrick, the real Elephant Man.
As rehearsal began with cast members Patricia Clarkson and Alessandro Nivola, Lucas took a deep breath and slipped into character.
In an instant, Lucas's body seemed to transform. His spine curved dramatically, his right arm lifted as if weighed down by invisible masses. His face contorted, lips twisting to one side, eyes squinting unevenly. Even his breathing changed, becoming labored and wheezy.
Patricia's eyes widened in shock. "Oh my God," she whispered.
Alessandro stood frozen, his script forgotten in his hand.
Director Scott Ellis leaned forward in his seat, mouth slightly agape. The transformation was beyond what he'd seen in their last rehearsal.
"Lucas," Ellis finally managed, "that's... incredible. How did you...?"
Lucas, still in character, spoke with Merrick's strained voice. "Practice... makes... perfect," he wheezed out.
The room was silent for a moment, everyone captivated by the disturbing yet mesmerizing performance unfolding before them.
Ellis shook his head in disbelief. "Lucas, I gotta say, I'm floored. Your Merrick has come so far since we last rehearsed. It's... it's uncanny."
Lucas, still partially in character, nodded appreciatively.
As they continued rehearsals, Lucas's co-stars couldn't help but marvel at his transformation. During a break, Patricia approached him, curiosity evident in her eyes.
"How does it feel, contorting your body like that? Doesn't it make you uncomfortable?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.
Lucas stretched, his body returning to its normal posture. "It's not as bad as it looks," he assured her with a smile. "Though I'll admit, I might feel it in my muscles tomorrow."
Alessandro chimed in, "Seriously, man. It's like you've been possessed by Merrick's spirit or something."
Lucas chuckled, "Just lots of practice. And maybe a deal with the devil."
During Lucas's months-long absence, his fans had grown restless. Social media buzzed with speculation:
"Where's Lucas Knight disappeared to?"
"Has anyone seen him lately?"
"Hope he's okay... it's not like him to go off the grid."
When October rolled around, the Broadway announcement hit like a thunderbolt. Lucas Knight as the Elephant Man? The internet exploded:
"OMG! Lucas as the Elephant Man? I'm so there!"
"How's he gonna pull this off? Can't wait to see it!"
"Tickets, where can I get tickets?!"
The Booth Theatre's box office was swamped, with fans scrambling to secure seats for the November 7th opening night.
Backstage, the energy was electric. Lucas, already in John Merrick's period costume, took deep breaths, centering himself. His co-stars, equally prepared, milled about, a mix of excitement and nerves palpable in the air.
Director Scott Ellis paced, his mind racing through last-minute checks. He knew the weight of expectation on this production, especially with Lucas's star power. Every light cue, every set change had to be perfect.
"Places, everyone!" the stage manager called out.
Ellis gathered the cast for a final pep talk. "Alright. We've put in the work. Now it's time to show them what we've got. Break a leg out there."
As the house lights dimmed and the curtain prepared to rise, Lucas closed his eyes, feeling his body begin to contort into Merrick's familiar shape.
The play began, the audience settling in for the performance. Ten minutes in, the moment many had been waiting for arrived - Lucas made his entrance, showcased in the freakshow scene.
As Lucas appeared, audible gasps rippled through the crowd. His body was shockingly contorted, barely recognizable as the Hollywood heartthrob they knew.
"The hell? That's Lucas?" a man whispered, leaning forward in his seat.
"Oh my gosh," a woman nearby breathed, her hand covering her mouth.
"It's so uncomfortable to look at him like this," another audience member muttered.
The transformation was jarring, completely at odds with the Lucas Knight they knew from the silver screen. Many in the audience had come expecting to see a handsome actor playing at being deformed - perhaps even hoping for a shirtless scene. Instead, they were confronted with a truly unsettling sight.
A woman turned to her friend, her voice low. "This is... unexpected."
Her friend nodded, her brow furrowed with concern. "Is he okay? That looks painful.
As the play progressed into the first act, Dr. Frederick Treves and other characters encountered Merrick. The audience's initial discomfort at Lucas's transformation gradually gave way to immersion in his performance.
A palpable sense of pity filled the theater as they witnessed Merrick's mistreatment. One woman whispered to her companion, "God, how can they be so cruel?"
The hospital bed scene showcased Merrick's vulnerability and articulation. Lucas's portrayal of Merrick's intelligence and sensitivity drew the audience in even further.
When Lucas delivered the line, "I am not... an animal... I am a human being... I... am... a man," his voice cracking with emotion, sniffles could be heard throughout the theater.
The audience rode an emotional rollercoaster as Merrick befriended Mrs. Kendal and dreamed of a life without deformities. During Merrick's confrontation with his exploiters, the tension was palpable.
A man in the third row muttered under his breath, "Beat those sons of bitches," his fists clenched in anger.
The final act, with Merrick's self-acceptance, left the audience both heartbroken and uplifted. As Lucas took his final bow, the entire theater rose to their feet, erupting in emotional applause.
"Bravo!" someone shouted, as others wiped away tears.
The standing ovation continued for several minutes. Lucas smiled, basking in the applause. The energy in the theater was electric, a feeling quite different from cinema premieres.
It reminded him of his previous life as a humble theater extra, bringing back bittersweet memories of a simpler time.
The Broadway run continued, gaining momentum with each performance. Night after night, Lucas poured himself into the role, his dedication evident in every contorted movement and strained word.
Social media exploded with reactions:
"Just saw @LucasXKnight in #ElephantMan. Mind. Blown. 🤯" - @ExLover21
"Lucas Knight's transformation is unbelievable. Oscar-worthy performance on Broadway!" - @Loopwhole1
Critics raved about Lucas's performance:
"Knight doesn't just play Merrick; he becomes him. A tour de force that must be seen to be believed." - New York Times
"In 'The Elephant Man,' Lucas Knight proves he's more than just a pretty face. A stunning, career-defining performance." - Variety
The buzz grew, drawing more curious theatergoers. The play's success led to an extended Broadway run, followed by a West End transfer in London.
Celebrities flocked to see the performance:
"Watched @LucasXKnight in #ElephantMan last night. Speechless. This guy can do anything." - @RobertDowneyJr
"Lucas Knight's Merrick will haunt me for days. Bravo!" - @GwynethPaltrow
Media coverage shifted, with major outlets running features on the play and Lucas's transformation:
"From Heartthrob to 'Elephant Man': Lucas Knight's Incredible Journey" - Entertainment Weekly
"The Science Behind Lucas Knight's 'Elephant Man' Transformation" - National Geographic
Even National Geographic and other media outlets typically focused on nature joined the hype, eager to feature Lucas Knight. Celebrities were frequently asked for their thoughts on his performance.
As the weeks passed and the play "The Elephant Man" continued, the media took the opportunity to gather opinions from various celebrities about Lucas Knight's portrayal in the revival.
When Matthew McConaughey was asked for his opinion, he said, "Yeah, I've been hearing a lot about Lucas Knight in The Elephant Man lately. I watched it on Broadway with zero expectations—after all, no matter what role Lucas plays, he always looks flawless and handsome. But him playing Merrick on stage? He absolutely nailed it. I can only say he was unbelievable."
"Can you imitate how Lucas contorts his body throughout the play?" the interviewer pressed.
"No, no. I tried, even got help from an expert contortionist, but... I kept hurting myself," McConaughey replied with a laugh.
Other celebrities also shared their thoughts. Anne Hathaway commented, "Lucas is already a fantastic actor, but he elevates himself even more with his performance as The Elephant Man."
Even Justin Bieber was asked for his opinion, to which he replied, "Sorry, I haven't seen it yet. Maybe I'll go watch his play to find out what everyone is talking about."
Other celebrities were also approached for their thoughts. Jennifer Lawrence commented, "I've seen videos of his play, and just looking at him in those clips... I felt a bit scared for him." She jokingly added, "I hope his bones and muscles are holding up okay! If not, I might have to offer him a private 'rehabilitation' session!"