| Seton School Proudly Presents |
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By David Rogers • Based on the Novel by Daniel Keyes
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| Produced by exclusive arrangement with Dramatic Publishing |
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| Director's Note |
“Respect for life requires that science and technology should always be at the service of man and his integral development. Society as a whole must respect, defend and promote the dignity of every human person, at every moment and in every condition of that person's life.”
(Pope Saint John Paul the Great)
What is the value of the most marginalized members of our society? How do they add worth? These are the difficult questions we ask as we present this masterpiece of the American stage. "Flowers for Algernon" is the compelling story of Charlie, a developmentally disabled man, and the strange interweaving of his life with Algernon, a mouse. Experimental surgery has been performed on Algernon, increasing his intelligence fourfold. The operation is attempted on Charlie, who rapidly changes from an unintelligent man to a genius, far more intelligent than his teacher, Alice Kinnian, or the doctors who created the operating technique. As Charlie approaches the peak of his brilliance, Algernon shows frightening symptoms of regression. The play becomes a race against time in which Charlie tries to keep his new intelligence long enough to save himself and thus continue what he and Alice have found. This is a different kind of play: poignant, romantic, funny, and tragic, but with hope of man's indomitable spirit.
Producing "Flowers for Algernon" has been an extraordinary journey for the cast, crew, and our production staff. We have gained such profound insights about the value of the human person as we have explored the show and labored to put it on stage. It has not been simple, or easy. Complex and often difficult emotions and memories are shown on stage. Portraying these moments in an intense yet believable way is a difficult undertaking. I'm proud beyond belief that these young people have done so in such a respectful and beautiful way. You'll celebrate the joys and triumphs of Charlie's experience as well as his crushing defeats, and hopefully come away with a newfound perspective on the innate worthiness we all share.
The end of the show is not, in our eyes, tragic. It is triumphant. Charlie can finally decide his own fate and put the pain of his past behind him. Thank you for coming and enjoy "Flowers for Algernon!"
Special thanks to Mrs. Carroll for her love and support of this program over many years, and for Bob Pennefather, Maryan Vander Woude, and the office staff for their invaluable assistance. Thank you to All Saints for the use of additional lighting equipment and to Dan Martin Lighting and Sound. Additional thanks to Casey Beltran, Jane Baker, Steve and Ann Minnigerode, Myra Griffin, Marybeth Ellis, Molly Herwick, Cathy Goodman, Emily Minnigerode, Monica Kelly, Jerry Zadnick, Mike Zahorchak, and Lisa Moore - without your assistance and support, this show would not have been possible.
