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01/04/2017 11:01 PM

Kidz Konnection Advanced Level Troupe Performs Flowers for Algernon


Bottom row (from left): Emma Flaherty as Norma; Ezra van Yperen as Charlie; standing Dan Ayott as Dr. Strauss; Abigail Ingalls as Professor Nemur; Kiara Lopez as Mrs. Mooney; Becca Dollahite as Charlie’s Mother. Not pictured, Emma Lindsay as Alice Kinninan; Callie Andrews as Beatrice Seldon; and Connor Wilke as Charlie’s Father. Photo courtesy Laura Attanasio

The Henry Carter Hull Library welcomes EDGE (Educate through Drama, Grow through Experience), the new advanced level acting troupe at Kidz Konnection that will perform a special showing of Flowers for Algernon, a play by David Rogers, based on the novel by Daniel Keyes, on Friday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.

In the play, Charlie, a 32 year-old man with severe special needs, is invited to participate in a medical experiment that may increase his IQ significantly. With the success of the procedure working in a mouse named Algernon, Strauss, the research physician responsible for the break-through, performs the procedure on Charlie. The events that follow show Charlie gradually becoming a genius. As his intellect increases, he is able to recall past events and memories that will bring into sharp focus how those around him, friends and family members, really felt toward him. He is also able to recognize his own lack of social development, further causing him deep anguish and frustration and eventually discovering through his own research his horrifying prognosis.

The story captures the moral dilemma that occurs when humans meddle with influencing change in the lives of others. We judge, rightfully or not, that their lives would be better if we could change them.

A “talk back” will be provided by the actors of the play immediately following the story. Admission is free. Seating available on a first come, first served basis.