Flowers for Algernon

I could not find a copy of The History of Tom Jones so I opted to discuss another play on the top produced UIL OAP in 2009. This play was produced 7 times. This is another production that dealt with a mental disability that should be dealt with very carefully because their are many families in the world and possibly in the audience who relate. Granted, Charlie Gordon's IQ improves exceptionally and even becomes a genius before he goes back to what he was before. The director should really emphasize the loss of who Charlie could be, how it affects everyone and how it affects Charlie after he goes back to being mentally handicapped.
The type of design for the set that seems to work best for this play in UIL One Act is having 3 designated areas where a majority of the scenes take place and have the lights come up on one area where the acting is being held. It would also be nice to actually be able to work with a real mouse on stage if at all possible. Costuming shouldn't be at all difficult, however it is important that Charlie's wardrobe undergo changes that reflect his changing IQ. Lighting should coordinate with where each scene takes place and where the actors are in the moment. I envision the lighting to get warmer and brighter as Charlie escalates towards his full potential and then colder more harsh as he dwindles away. This should be the case until the very end where there is no more struggle against his mind's deterioration and he is back to the way he was. At that time, the lighting could be softer but still have some coldness to it. If done correctly, this could be an excellent piece but would be more recommended for a smaller school because it is done so much and the casting is relatively small.