February 9-17, 2018
“Justin Polly does in this noteworthy performance. Always exercising control, with a sharp eye toward believability” –Tony Curulla, Syracuse.com
This is the compelling story of Charlie, a mentally disabled 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 IQ rapidly increases to a genius level, 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.
Cast & Production Team
Charlie Gordon Justin Polly
Alice Kinnian Kasey Polly
Rose Gordon (Mother) Laura Light Stisser
Matt Gordon (Father) Phil Brady
Norma Gordon (Adult) Lynn Barbato King
Teenage Charlie Ben Stisser
Little Charlie Collin Dean
Little Norma Amber Bates
Harold Nemur Alan Stillman
Jay Strauss Mark Braiman
Burt Michael King
Mrs. Donner Ann Rhodes-Sweet
Frank Reilly Ethan Washburn
Joe Carp Tyler Ianuzi
Gina/Connie/Jackie Walberg Summer Kelly
Ellen/Bernice/Ann Walberg Becky White
Mrs. Mooney Beverly Cooney Poznoski
Mrs. Nemur Judy Schmid
Mr. Harvey Chris Best
Teaching Machine Voice Bill Lee
Production Team
Director William Edward White
Producer Dan Rowlands
Scenic Designer Navroz Dabu
Lighting Designer Sarah Anson
Sound Designer William Edward White
Costume Designer Kate Kisselstein
Scenic Artist Karen Greenfield
Stage Manager Sarah Anson