Hit musical returns to town

The Chinese musical “Flowers for Algernon,” adapted from Daniel Keyes’ short story and novel of the same name, will meet local fans again this December.

The show produced by Han Kun, the executive director of Focustage, was recreated from the 2006 Korean musical “Mr. Mouse,” directed by Li Xuangui.

A scene from “Flowers for Algernon.”File photo

In this current production, the leading role of Charlie Gordon will be portrayed by young Chinese musical singers Gao Yuchen and Zhang Bojun, while Guo Yaorong and Lyu Runtong will take on the roles of Alice Kinnian.

Gordon is about to embark upon an unprecedented journey. Born with an IQ of just 68, he has been chosen as the perfect subject for an experimental surgery that researchers hope will increase his intelligence — a procedure that has already been highly successful when tested on a lab mouse named Algernon.

As the treatment takes effect, his intelligence expands until it surpasses that of the doctors who engineered his metamorphosis. The experiment appears to be a scientific breakthrough of paramount importance, until Algernon suddenly deteriorates. Sadly, Gordon’s mental powers will decrease rapidly too.

The short story, written in 1958 and first published in the April 1959 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, won the Hugo Award for best short story in 1960. The novel was published in 1966 and was the joint winner of that year’s Nebula Award for best novel.

Through a modern minimalist stage design, effective lighting, compelling music, and poignant lyrics, the production team tells a moving tale about mental disability that prompts reflection on themes such as love, happiness, human limitations, interpersonal bonds, compassion, and forgiveness.

While there was an English musical adaptation in 1979 by David Rogers and Charles Strouse, which had a brief run in the West End, the Chinese rendition, adapted from the South Korean version, premiered in 2019 to significant acclaim from Chinese audiences.

Time: 8 p.m., Dec. 20; 3 p.m., 8 p.m., Dec. 21; 3 p.m., Dec. 22

Venue: Bay Opera of Shenzhen, Bao’an District

Metro: Line 5 to Baohua Station, Exit A