Cindy Orti photo Mitchell Doucet and David Byles of Equus.

The leading men of Algonquin’s theater production Equus have been working hard to give audiences a treat when the play opens on Feb. 21.

The play is a story about a doctor that becomes obsessed with the case of a boy with a severe mental illness. David Byles plays Dr. Dysart, the psychiatrist treating Alan Strang, who is played by Mitchell Doucet.

Director Teri Loretto said she chose Byles for the part because of his voice.

“He has a beautiful soothing voice,” said Loretto. The voice was perfect since Byles’ character is a psychiatrist and not a violent man.

Byles said that the doctor was a hard character for him to play at first. He never leaves the stage but ultimately he’s had “a blast” trying to play this character. In fact, it has turned out to be one of his favourites.

Though it is his first time in a lead role, Byles said he’s glad Loretto trusted him with the part. “It’s a big role and Dave does his homework,” she said.

Sharing the stage with Byles is the captivating Mitchell Doucet. He plays a mental patient in a hospital who got caught blinding six horses.

“It’s the most challenging character I’ve ever had to play,” said Doucet. “I have confidence that it’s all going to go over well.”

Loretto described Doucet’s acting as very intuitive. He was chosen for his innocent looks. His character is supposed to be 17-or 18-years-old and according to Loretto, “he has a sincerity to his acting,” which will help the audience sympathize with his character.

Loretto said she’s very happy with the casting of the play.

“They’ve both given themselves 100 per cent to the role,” she said. “I really got a fabulous team.”