Although the play is named for the original book written by Daniel Keyes in 1959, Flowers for Algernon is best known as the play version of the 1968 feature film Charly, starring Cliff Robertson as Charlie. Flowers for Algernon tells the story of Charlie Gordon (Christopher Hodgkin), a mentally disabled adult living in New York City. As the story begins, we are introduced to Charlie’s teacher, Alice Kinnian (Brittany Martin), who is helping Charlie become a candidate for a revolutionary experiment. Conducted by Dr.Strauss (Andrew Jackson) and Professor Nemur (Renald LeFebvre), the experiment involves brain surgery on Charlie that will help him elevate his intelligence possibly to genius level. Charlie is taking a huge risk, as the only other test subjects were mice. However, one particular mouse named Algernon stands as an amazing success and is perhaps the smartest mouse in the world. Algernon’s success encourages everyone to have faith in the surgery, and only weeks after the operation, Charlie reaches the level of genius. While climbing in intelligence Charlie’s eyes open to some of the best things in the world: an unbounded learning capacity, independence, and love. However, he also comes to understand his past with shocking clarity and begins to hate the man he once was. These conflicting realizations carry Charlie forward toward a fate that…you have to see the play to discover.

From the end of November to the first day of December, Lewiston High School will be presenting Flowers for Algernon, the play. Familiar faces from previous Centre Stage Ensemble Shows will be Christopher Hodgkin, Michele Fortier, Renald LeFebvre, Erica Grandmaison, Amanda Martin, Christina Zahn, Anna Smedley, Maame Bonsu, Ruth Choate, Matt Reed, Elsje Schipper, and Rebecca Spilecki. Many familiar faces will also be introduced, including Brittany Martin, Amber Thibault, Ryan Dubois, David Carvalho, Andrew Jackson, Jessica Lemay, Marissa Lussier, Spencer Roy, Veronica Beaudoin, and Jennifer Soucy. Thanks go out to Richard Martin (director, set designer), Doreen Traynor (costumer), Paula Masselli (props manager), Katy Bouchard (stage manager, producer), and Tucker Adams (sound).

Flowers for Algernon will be held at Lewiston Middle School on Central Avenue on November 29, 30 and December 1. The show will start each night at 7:30, and doors will open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Light refreshments will be available at intermission. We hope to see you all there!