Synopsis
This is the approved one-act cutting of the compelling story of Charlie, a mentally retarded man, and the strange interweaving of his life with that of Algernon, a mouse. Experimental surgery has been performed on Algernon increasing his intelligence fourfold. The operation is tried on Charlie, whose intelligence rapidly increases to that of 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. When ordering, please specify the one-act version.
Notes
The original London cast recording of Flowers for Algernon (Charlie and Algernon) can be purchased from Footlight Records
Read an Excerpt
Related Titles
Details
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Status
In stock
- Type of Show One-act Play
- Product Code F28000
- Cast Size 5
- Min. Royalty Rate $55/perf
- Cost $10.95
- Approx. Run Time 35 min
Categories
- Target Audience Middle School | High School | College and Adult | Family (all ages) | Senior Adults
- Performing Group Middle School | High School | College Theatre
- Genre Drama
- ISBN(13) 9780871293879
Customer Reviews
- "The script offers a variety of staging opportunities--a production can be as simple or as complicated as you'd like it to be without affecting or losing the core of the text."
- Review by Glenn Weyler, Galileo Magnet HS, Danville, Va.
- "This play offers a wonderful opportunity for various types of staging and direction. The cast is challenged by the nature of the play and character development. Technical crews will be challenged by the lighting and sound possibilities."
- Review by Carol Lowe, Trinity Christian School, Pittsburgh, Pa.
- "This play is a slam dunk. We performed it for our Winter One-Acts. It was the most popular play of the evening. Skillfully condensed—all the key steps in Charlie's ordeal were hit upon for maximum emotional impact. I am impressed with the script. They should all be this good."
- Review by Kyle Elsbernd, Craig High School, Janesville, Wis.
- "Wonderful script that allows the director great flexibility in staging. Our audience loved the show and the flow of scenes throughout the play. This was a great choice for high-school actors."
- Review by Rebecca Holley, Lubbock Area Home Educations, Lubbock, Texas
- "This was powerful and moving drama. The ending had some audience members in tears. This is a fantastic play!"
- Review by John J. Bucklew, Jackson Center Schools, Jackson, Center, Ohio
Hints, Tips, and Tricks
- "This play has a depth to it that leaves an audience very moved at the end. Plan a powerful ending."
- Tip by Rebecca Fleming, Strickland Christian School, Austin, Texas
Downloads
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