“Flowers for Algernon” opened to a preview audience last night at the Butler Little Theatre. The show is rooted in the concept that we want what we don't have and once we get it, life isn't all roses.

This vast cast of some 25 actors bloomed under the direction of Robert Snodgrass Jr. Full of emotionally challenging roles, the actors nonetheless seemed to flourish bringing life to the sparse set.

Rik Medic offered up a powerful rendering of Charlie Gordon, a man caught up in a science experiment to increase his intelligence. Medic capably and deftly moved between a mentally challenged individual and a genius. His mastery was both physical and emotional and the audience was along for the ride. He navigated from shy and positive to educated, bold and embittered and back again and the audience followed.

The doctors Professor Nemur, played by Paul Guggenheimer and Dr. Strauss, played by Mark Nutter, were also very well cast. The duo was half arrogant and half practical and realistic. The pair was responsible for the life altering surgery of Gordon. They credibly portrayed the lust for power as well as the finger pointing that followed and the resignation of the results of their mad science.

The most empathetic character was Burt, played by Dennis Whalen. His compassion for Charlie was palpable. The sweet and hopeful Alice played by Sarah Altomari was a bright spot in the story. Her affection and desire for Charlie's success were genuine. Her pain at the effect his transformation wrought was well played. She seemed to be the only person in Charlie's life who didn't have an ulterior motive.

Susan Sontum was delightful as Mrs. Donner, the baker's wife whose affection toward Charlie was motherly and touching. The bakery bunch were both entreating and painfully brutal.

Though the play is chopped up in many scenes, the quick set changes and simplistic staging didn't detract from the emotional tension needed to make the show successful. A big complaint of staging this show is that it typically lags because there is very little action and much dialogue, but Snodgrass and his actors seemed to plow through at a good clip.

There were many strong performances in the show, including Charlie's parent's and sister. The haunting younger versions of Charlie played by Colten Vietmeir and Charlie Woolsey which appeared throughout the story were evocative and poignant. Their mere presence spoke of both past and future.

It's a gutsy move to end the 76th season with such a dramatic and emotional show, but it has a good message perhaps to be thankful for what you have and to bloom where you are planted because life is not always greener on the other side.

WHAT: Butler Little Theatre presents “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keys adapted by David RogersWHEN: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday May 5-13.WHERE: 100 Howard St.TICKETS: $12 call 724-287-6781 Monday-Friday 9 p.m. or reserve seats online (additional $2 charge/ticket) at www.bltgroup.orgINFORMATION: www.bltgroup.org