High school puts on 'Flowers for Algernon'
<p>Alice, played by Emily Creighton, comforts Charlie, played by Dwight Camillucci, as he agonizes over the realization that his newfound intelligence is only temporary in “Flowers for Algernon.”</p>
The Wolfpack Theatre Co. at Glacier High School will explore the world of artificial intelligence, love and the hope found in the human spirit in “Flowers for Algernon” May 3 and 4. Show time is 6:33 p.m. Both performances will be staged at Wolfpack Theatre.
Based on the science-fiction novel by Daniel Keyes and adapted for the stage by David Rogers, this production of “Flowers for Algernon” is presented by the Glacier High Acting 4 Class.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children, students and senior citizens, and are available at the school’s main office, Photo Video Plus and at the door.
“Flowers for Algernon” is the compelling story of Charlie, a mentally disabled man, and the strange interweaving of his life with that of Algernon, a mouse. Experimental surgery has been performed on Algernon, increasing his intelligence. Charlie volunteers to take part in this intelligence-enhancing experiment.
As his intellect and comprehension increase in the aftermath of the experiment, he passes through normalcy and then reaches a super-genius level. As Charlie approaches the peak of his brilliance, Algernon shows frightening symptoms of regression, and Charlie discovers that his newfound intelligence is temporary.
The play becomes a race against time in which Charlie tries to keep his new intelligence long enough to save himself.
“The play is about a mentally handicapped man undergoing an experiment to make him intelligent. But with his new intelligence, he starts to see the cruelness in the world. Charlie’s life has been filled with rejection and wanting to be cared for,” said student director and Glacier senior Shane St. Onge.
“We are all human beings and need to treat everyone with respect. I absolutely loved the message and how deep the play gets.”
As part of the Acting 4 experience, class members are required to select and produce a play in six weeks. This production of “Flowers for Algernon” is produced by Glacier students under the supervision of class instructor Greg Adkins.
From tryouts to the final curtain call, these students experience all aspects of theater, from the challenging tasks of directing and acting to set design and lighting.
“Being a student director has been a very different approach to theater than acting or tech. It calls upon many hours of work in school and out. I’ve enjoyed it immensely and have learned a lot over the process,” St. Onge said.
“And this class of experienced actors has worked together to make sure that the plays message is heard.”
In addition to St. Onge, the cast of “Flowers for Algernon” includes Krista Andersen, Keanna Blodgett, Kara Brown, Dwight Camillucci, Jessica Chapman, Emily Creighton, Lukas Dregne, Brittanie Dull, Annika Hanson, Bianca Hunter, Tanner Maroney, Dillon Moes, Addie Molisee, Raeana O’Myer, Andrew Osler, Teesa Palmatier, Jaclyn Rensel, Julia Salo, Bryce Tomas, Jacob Tudahl and Raisa Williams.