A warm-hearted comedy that contrasts greed with the greater good of generosity of spirit will take the stage on March 14-16 at 12th Street Auditorium.
“The Curious Savage,” a community theater and high school staple for more than 60 years, originally appeared on Broadway in 1950. It was written by John Patrick, who also wrote two very well-known plays, the Pulitzer Prize winning “The Teahouse of the August Moon” as well as “Everybody Loves Opal.”
Director Bill Gasper said “The Curious Savage” is a feel-good play that centers around Ethel Savage, a new widow who has been left with a substantial fortune. Her three grown stepchildren, however, are intent on keeping her from spending it. Thus, they conspire to have her committed to a private sanatorium known as The Cloisters. There, Ethel is left to work out how she will deal with her spiteful stepchildren while getting to know five colorful characters who are long-term patients in the same facility.
As she gets to know the five other residents on her ward, Ethel discovers through their generosity of spirit her own inner conviction to do what she has to do to fend off her loathsome brood. Each of her fellow Cloister inmates is unique and brings to the story special elements of charm and sensitivity.
“It’s a great story with interesting characters,” Gasper said. “That’s probably why it’s been performed by so many times. It’s very humorous but not in an over-the-top farcical sort of way. I particularly like the play because it delivers meaningful messages about family, generosity, greed and kindness. And although it was written in 1950, those messages still ring very true today.”
Gasper said there are 11 students in the cast with three others helping behind the scenes. This is a change from the past several years where Spring Play has included a large cast.
“I wanted to do a more serious, Broadway style play this year and those generally have smaller casts,” Gasper said. “The downside to a small cast is that typically means smaller audiences, so I’m encouraging people to come out and watch what will be a very fine performance.”
Tickets for the production, which starts at 7 p.m. each night, are $5 in advance and $6 at the door for adults and $3 in advance and $4 at the door for students. All tickets are general admission and can be purchased at the high school office. The production is suitable for all audiences.
“Our admission price is a bargain. I keep ticket prices low because I want people to come out and see how talented our young actors are,” Gasper said. “They are very dedicated and put in a lot of work, and their only reward is to perform in front of an audience.”
