Season 76 draws to a close for the Butler Little Theatre with it final production, “Flowers for Algernon,” a play by David Rogers, adapted from the classic novel by Daniel Keyes.

Under the direction of Robert Snodgrass, the play explores how innovation and science shape the quality of a man's life.

It is the story of Charlie, a mentally challenged individual, being played by Rik Medic of Penn Township.

His life is woven with that of Algernon, a mouse, via experimental surgery to increase intelligence. Containing romantic, funny and tragic qualities, it conveys the hope of man's indomitable spirit.

“Charlie Gordon is a very likable mentally-challenged man who undergoes a brain operation and becomes a genius,” said Medic of his role.

“All he ever wanted was to be smart, but when he actually achieves intelligence, it comes with more problems than he ever imagined,” he said.

Medic is a teacher by trade and can relate well to children, so portraying Charlie's childlike qualities were almost second nature, he said.

“I tried to approach this character with the same respect and sensitivity I would show one of my struggling students,” he said.

He said he had read the book in high school and it has always stuck with him. “When BLT decided to do the show, I felt compelled to audition, but never actually thought I would get the role of Charlie,” he said.

Though well-versed in comedies, Medic is for the first time really experiencing the demands of a sad, dramatic portrayal. “The dramatic scenes are exhilarating to perform, but I go home each night after rehearsal completely exhausted,” he said.

Being convincing at both ends of the intelligence spectrum is giving his acting chops a workout.

“It is unusual to play a character that makes such a complete transformation in his level of intelligence,” said Medic.

The character of Charlie's mother, Rose, is being portrayed by Michelle McAuley of Jefferson Township.

A wife and mother of three, she feels she can relate to Rose's desire to have healthy and happy children. “Rose is a driven individual with an overwhelming desire to have a normal nuclear family,” said McAuley.

“She is strained with the stresses of her life and tends to become more angry and unraveled as the years pass,” she said.

McAuley said she has fallen in love with the script.

“It was my younger daughter Abby, who plays young Norma in the show, who asked me to try out for this play alongside her. I am glad she asked me to. It has been a great experience for the both of us,” said McAuley.

Abby plays her daughter in the play as well.

McAuley last took the stage as Flotsam in Sing Hosanna's recent production of “The Little Mermaid.”

Sarah Altomari of Summit Township takes on the role of Alice Kinnian.

Altomari said Alice is a tragic character who has feelings for Charlie.

“She tries to help him by arranging for him to have an operation which will give him the one thing he wants, intelligence,” said Altomari.

“She is kind and empathetic, but she also has a great deal of independence and self respect,” she added.

Altomari has never seen the show and prefers to come into the experience as a blank slate.

“I like taking on a character without any preconceived notions about how they should be played,” she said.

The man in the play who changes everything for Charlie is Professor Nemur, being played by Paul Guggenheimer of the South Hills.

“He is the senior member of the project, the experiment to make Charlie the first human being ever to have his intelligence increased by surgery. Nemur is brilliant, a bit snarky and quite egotistical,” said Guggenheimer.

Some of those qualities are embodied in the strength that he brings to Professor Nemur, he noted.

“Like most actors, I have a pretty healthy ego which Nemur definitely has. So I can relate to this guy. But I also think I'm a strong enough character actor that I could bring just about anyone to life off the page,” he said.

Guggenheimer said he auditioned for the show because he loved the Academy Award-winning movie based on it.

“I've seen it several times, and it always makes me cry. It's a science fiction drama that give us an insightful glimpse into the human condition through the vehicle of a fanciful and elaborately well told techno based story,” he said.

The technical clinical language that his character uses is probably his biggest challenge, he said.

Guggenheimer appeared on stage most recently as Horace Gilmer in “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the New Hazlett Theatre in Pittsburgh.

Improv Night

BLT plans another Improv Night from 7 to 9 p.m. June 10; admission is $5.

77th Season

The BLT playreading committee and board of directors have announced the shows planned for the 77th season.

They include “Biloxi Blues,” a dramatic comedy by Neil Simon; “Boeing Boeing,” a comedy by Marc Camoletti; “Other People's Money,” a drama by Jerry Sterner; “The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket,” a drama by Peter Parnell; and “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” a comedy by Christopher Durang. Auditions for the first show will be held in August.

WHO: Butler Little TheatreWHAT: “Flowers for Algernon”WHEN: May 5 to 13, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to ThursdayWHERE: One Howard St.TICKETS: $12, call 724-287-6781 from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or reserve online (for additional $2 charge/ticket) at www.bltgroup.org