Waubonsie players take on ‘Flowers for Algernon’

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During a flashback scene, Charlie, played by Evan Zrinsky, recalls some difficult childhood memories. Waubonsie's play opens today and runs through Sunday. | Jane Donahue ~ For The Beacon-News

Updated: April 19, 2011 4:58AM

Waubonsie Valley High School students will take the stage this week in “Flowers for Algernon,” a bittersweet drama about one man’s journey to improve his intelligence.

The play focuses on Charlie, played by senior Evan Zrinsky, a mentally disabled man who is offered an opportunity that would boost his IQ to a genius level. The show follows Charlie through this human experiment, which runs parallel to that of a mouse named Algernon, and tackles tough issues along the way.

Director David Calvert said he chose “Flowers for Algernon,” based on a novel by Daniel Keyes, because of its great message and the opportunities it offered his cast.

“We get so many females auditioning in our theater program, and I wanted to get a show that had lots of female roles,” said Calvert, in his 20th year as director. “This show has 17 female roles, and that is really hard to find. Also, the male opportunities — to play Charlie and Dr. Strauss, these are great parts.”

The director said the role of Charlie is difficult and mature, and Zrinsky is perfect for it.

“Evan has such a natural talent for comedy, and in the same breath, he is able to turn it around and make it serious,” Calvert said. “That is such a skill for an actor, and Evan is outstanding with that, and that is one of the reasons he got the role.”

Zrinsky said he has been involved with theater since his freshman year, but this is his first lead role.

“I have always had other people to look up to, and now I realize I have to be that person for the younger cast members,” said the 17-year-old. “It’s a really challenging role, and there are a lot of lines. My friends and family have been helping me run them and run them.”

Calvert said he couldn’t be more proud of the 31 cast and 15 crew members.

“It’s a very young cast,” Calvert said. “Over 80 percent of the cast has never held a sizable role before. I am so proud of these kids. The opportunity to perform on stage is an educational experience, and that is why we do this. They have really grown from this process.”

If You Go

What: “Flowers for Algernon”

When: 7:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday

Where: Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora

Tickets: $6 for adults, $5 for children, students and seniors

Information: 630-375-3300