North Garland High School - Marauder Yearbook (Garland, TX)

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DURING PROFESSOR NEMQR’S party held in his honor, Charlie finally comes face to face with his inner self-the retarded Charlie of his teenage years. In the background, Anne Welberg and the maid, played by senior Sally Thompson, and freshman Ashlei Davis respectively, display their shock at Charlie’s behavior. Photo by Lisa Wacker PRETENDING TO BE HIS FRIEND, Frank, per- formed by junior John Miller , degrades Charlie while he is dancing with Ellen, portrayed by senior Melissa Wysong. Gina, acted by junior Amber Young, looks on at the scene. Photo by Lisa Wacker TO SET UP the extremely complicated lighting sys- tem for the production, senior stage manager Karl Deutsch and junior lighting crew member J.T. Moore check the lights to make sure they are working properly. Photo by Lisa Wacker REALIZING THAT THEY MAY not have much more time to spend together, Charlie and his teacher and love, Alice Kinnian share a tender moment together before Charlie begins to regress back to his retarded state of mind. Fall Production 27

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THE FIFTH PERIOD Technical Theatre class built the set for Flowers for Algernon. Here, senior Casey Turner, who portrayed the chairlady in the produc- tion, helps build the stage extensions over the stairs as senior Melanie Worley looks on. Fall production questions artificial intelligence tests Silence enshrouded the audience. Then the music softly echoed throughout the auditorium, and the drama department’s fall production Flowers for Algernon be-’ gan. Charlie Gordon, portrayed by senior Doug Goodrich, is a young retarded man. who is given the chance to achieve his ultimate dream a chance to become intelligent. Then, as senior Selene ‘Wacker, who played Mrs. Nemur, explained, “Charlie gets the same operation that Algernon, the Student Life mouse, has had. The operation increases his intelligence to genius level. The really tragic thing is that no one knows what will happen later.” Meanwhile, his teacher Miss Kinnian, played by Kim Shiver, has fallen in love with Charlie. She compares her intelli- gence level to his and finds herself feeling inadequate. Finding out that he may lose his intelligence causes Charlie to have a difficult time dealing with his emotions, as well. Tragic childhood memories continue to plague his subconscious. “During the convention at Chicago, Charlie deduces from Professor Nemur’s | speech that he will probably regress. It's similar to knawing you're going to die soon,’’ explained Jay Thomson, who played Burt, the lab assistant. The story comes to a tragic conclusion when Charlie does indeed regress and de- cides to go to the Warren State Home, a place, as Charlie says, ‘‘where they never talked of hope.” (continued on page 28)

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A (continued from page 26) For some people Flowers for Algernon brings a larger understanding about retard- ed adults. Goodrich said, ‘Society tries to put them on a shelf and forget about them, but they’re going to be there no matter what.” Although there were limited major roles, many Thespians were satisfied to get a minor role. ‘‘A minor part in a play produc- tion is a real challenge. | always strive to do my best whether it’s major or minor,’’ said Casaundra Turner, who was assigned the role of the Chairlady. The no-pass, no-play rule had an effect upon the tryouts for the play. During re- hearsals, the actors were put under pres- sure, not only to get their lines memorized but to keep their grades up as well. ‘‘The FED UP with living with a retarded child, Charlie’s mother, played by junior Sabrina Snell, forces his father, acted by senior Darren Hervey, to take teen- age Charlie, played by sophomore Robert Carboni, to the Warren State Home, a mental institution that spoke of little hope. Photo by Lisa Wacker Student Life Play questions artificial tests plays have always lowered my grades, but | just had to buckle down and work harder this time,’’ said senior Darren Hervey who played Charlie’s father. The new drama teacher, Mrs. Vicki Tapp, admitted that since she loves the technical part of the theatre as much or more than acting, the fall production crew had their work cut out for them. They stayed long hours after school to get the revolving stage and the 41 different light changes ready before opening night. Junior Travers Scott, who played Dr. Nemur, said, ““The crew played a major role in making the play a success. Nothing could have been done without them. The actors recreate people, but the crew cre- ates the world for them to live in.” AFTER THE FRIDAY NIGHT PERFORMANCE, sen- ior prop crew member Wendy Torbert takes advan- tage of the hospital gurney left on stage to take a quick nap. Photo by Lisa Wacker