Howell High School Performing Arts Department is proud to present “Flowers for Algernon” by David Rogers, based on the novel by Daniel Keyes. This performance is sponsored through a grant from Target Corporation.
Howell High School drama teacher Amanda Malo applied for the grant from Target last spring. Part of the request included a pledge that the cast would perform at the district’s middle schools.
This riveting novel is frequently part of the Middle School English Language Arts curriculum, and tickets for middle school students are only $5. Following each performance there will be a talkback session with the actors in the production.
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Evening shows take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11 and Saturday, Nov. 12; a matinee also is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13.
“We believe our production will spark dialogue about the way we treat those that are different in our society and the power of words,” Malo said.
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On Thursday, November 13, select scenes will be performed at Parker Middle School in the morning and Highlander Way Middle School in the afternoon. Following the performance, middle school students will have a chance to ask questions and the actors will answer in character. After, the high school students will discuss the process of creating a character.
“We saw this as an opportunity to cross curriculum and for the middle school students to make a connection to the high school,” Malo said.
“Flowers for Algernon” tells the story of Charlie Gordon, a man with an IQ of 68 who works a menial job. He is selected to undergo an experimental surgical technique to increase his intelligence. The technique has already been successfully tested on Algernon, a laboratory mouse. The surgery on Charlie is also a success and his IQ triples.
Charlie falls in love with his former teacher, Miss Kinnian, but as his intelligence increases, he surpasses her intellectually and they become unable to relate to each other. His new intelligence scares his co-workers at his job and they start a petition to have him fired. As Charlie's intelligence peaks, Algernon suddenly declines — losing his increased intelligence and dying shortly afterward.
Charlie discovers that his intelligence increase is also only temporary. Unable to prevent the change, Charlie ultimately reverts to his original mental state in a swift reversal of his original growth. He tries to return to his original life, but cannot bear everyone pitying him so he decides to move away. His last wish before he leaves is that someone put flowers on Algernon's grave.
