JCB fall play continues Friday and Saturday

The John C. Birdlebough High School Drama Club will present the final two  performances of their annual fall play, “Flowers for Algernon” on Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at JCB High School, 552 Main St. in Phoenix.

“Flowers for Algernon” is based on a science fiction short story and a novel which followed, written by Daniel Keyes. The short story was written in 1958 and published first in “The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction”, winning a ‘Hugo Award for Best Short Story’ in 1960. The novel was a joint winner of the 1966 ‘Nebula Award for Best Novel’. It was turned into a dramatic play by David Rogers, based on Keyes novel.

The story focuses in on ‘Algernon’, a laboratory mouse, who has undergone surgery to increase his intelligence by artificial means, which it does fourfold.

The story is told as a series of progress reports written by Charlie Gordon, a gentle, simple man with an IQ of 68, who also becomes the first human test subject for the surgery.

Charlie’s  abilities develop to genius level ... more intelligent than his teacher Alice Kinnian and the doctors who created the technique. But just as Charlie approaches the peak of his brilliance, Algernon starts showing disturbing symptoms of regression.

In addition to touching on many ethical and moral themes such as treatment of the disabled, the play becomes a race against time in which Charlie tries to keep his new intelligence long enough to save himself and continue what he and Alice have found. The intertwined plot themes make for a poignant, romantic, funny and tragic progression including a highlight on man’s indomitable spirit.

Tickets for the show are $5 for adults and $4 for students and senior citizens. They can be obtained at the door or in advance by calling Lisa Spereno at 695-1631.

The community is encouraged to come out and see this heartfelt and thought-provoking dramatic presentation of “Flowers for Algernon” on Friday or Saturday at 7:30 p.m.