This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Oct. 16, 2012 - Tears were freely pouring as the journey of a mentally handicapped man touched the hearts of many. Mary Institute Country Day School’s production of “Flowers for Algernon” was a beautiful retelling of a tragic story.
“Flowers for Algernon” started as a novel, written in 1966 by Daniel Keyes. It transposed into many mediums: film, television and this play by David Rogers. The story revolves around a mentally handicapped man named Charlie Gordon and a laboratory mouse named Algernon.
Both Charlie and Algernon get an experimental operation that rapidly increases their intelligence. Charlie’s intelligence begins to surpass everyone around him, including the very scientists and doctors who gave him the surgery. He struggles to fully grasp his newfound knowledge and emotions, pushing away the very people who cared for him most from the beginning. Algernon and Charlie experience alienation and erratic behavior until both reach their breaking point.
Peter Condie played Charlie Gordon with flawless professionalism. Condie showed Charlie’s progression into higher intelligence with grace and sensitivity. Condie’s facial expressions, demeanor and physical acting made Charlie a living, breathing human being, and relatable to all. Alice Kinnian (Katherine Bush) is Charlie’s teacher, later romantic interest. Bush played Kinnian with the fullest breadth of emotion possible. The tension between Alice and Charlie could be felt by all.
Professor Harold Nemur (Dennis Schultz) is the man who came up with the idea for Charlie’s operation. Schultz played the hot-headed, impulsive character with much believability, greatly showing the strain between his character and his partner Dr. Strauss. Burt Selsdon (Andrew Parker) is the young lab technician who becomes very close to Charlie. Parker played his character with such kindness and generosity; he seemed to be the one who truly cared for Charlie other than Alice. Parker’s honest vulnerability made the story that much more heartbreaking.
What was most breathtaking about this production was the set. Thomas Hereford designed a beautifully simplistic white set, versatile for all the scenes necessary in this play. Another wonderful aspect was the light design by Emily Ruskey. From blue spotlights to dark shadows to strobe lights the light design was a character in and of itself in the production. James Meade’s lighting cues were always on time, an important element to make sure the light design was well done. Preethi Umashanker deserves to be praised for spectacular sound cues. The chilling music, telephone ringing, all sounds in the show were always right on time as well.
As wonderful as this production was, there is always room for improvement. The actors knew their lines so incredibly well, to the point that sometimes they would rush out the words so quickly the emotional impact or meaning was lost on the audience. When going from the first act to the second act, the initial energy of the show seemed to die down, and the pace seemed to speed up. The relationship between Charlie’s mother and sister in a particular scene in Act Two was weak; they seemed too distant for one another.
I do praise the use of a live mouse, the versatility of several actors to play so many different characters and the overall character progression of each cast member.
The actors of this show are some of the most intriguing, genuine, experienced students to step onstage. They were able to portray complex characters in tragic situations to the point that one almost believed they truly were those characters. This production of “Flowers for Algernon” left an emotional mark on all who were honored to see it.
Charlene Haparimwi is a student at Bishop DuBourg High School. The Cappies program works with students to review high school theatrical productions.