Theatre Company of Lafayette production features a richly talented case
The Curious Savage is an intriguing play by John Patrick that touches upon an assortment of themes that could evenly spark humor as well as a more ominous tone. In the current production now on stage at Theater Company of Lafayette, director Munam Goodwyn has highlighted the humor of The Curious Savage to a point where the darkest undertones take a backseat to the heartwarming comedy at hand.
The story revolves around Ethel Savage (Madge Montgomery) who has been unceremoniously dumped at The Cloisters, a sanatorium of sorts, by her three stepchildren. It’s all part of a plan to steal Ethel’s $10 million inheritance left to her by her late husband. At The Cloisters, Ethel meets an assortment of other “guests” who appreciate her for who she is, not what she has to offer.
Ethel’s stepchildren Titus (Don Thumim), a senator, Samuel (Jake Fleming), a judge, and Lily Belle (Bonnie Utter), her stepmother’s nemesis, are horrified to learn that Ethel intends to set up a fund with her inheritance to help the average person pursue their dreams instead of sharing it with them. But little do the stepchildren know that Ethel has hidden the money – in the form of government bonds – keeping it at arm’s length from the conniving children.
Ultimately, Ethel reveals that the bonds are tucked away in the Teddy Bear she carries. At the precise moment she is about to reveal them, Mrs. Paddy (Susanne Neswadi), a fellow guest at The Cloisters, turns the lights off and mayhem ensues, leaving the actors and the audience unsure of what has taken place with the bonds just as intermission is taken.
All is revealed later when Fairy May (Hannah Richards), another guest, provides an invaluable clue as to what has happened to the money. Don’t worry, all’s well that ends well, and the audience is left with a clear explanation of everything that has transpired, with Ethel coming out on top and the three stepchildren, not so lucky.
The richly talented cast pulls out all the stops in creating fascinating and broad characterizations. Montgomery as Ethel Savage has an imposing presence throughout and is adept at maintaining focus during the sometimes intricate storyline. As Ethel, she is both regal and childlike — and thus somewhat of a mystery. But her motivations are pure and she captures the hearts of the other characters and the audience as well.
Others in the cast with shining moments are Utter as Lily Belle and Richards as Fairy May. Utter is wonderful as the bratty, self-absorbed stepdaughter who conveys great disdain for her stepmother. Richards as Fairy May is terrific as the guest who may tell a lie or two, but in the end endears herself to most everyone.
Goodwyn directs the production with what must be a magic wand by making The Curious Savage a comedic romp through the halls of a patient-filed sanatorium. The humor is clear but so is the underlying theme which can only be described as mental impairment. However, this is not a dark production about psychological disorders; rather it is filled with great warmth and true inspiration coming from the hands of a skilled director.
Theater Company of Lafayette has chosen a special play and delivered it admirably to its stage. It is well worth the drive to Lafayette to experience this endearing comedy filled with much love and hope.
I played Hannibal in our local Bucks County, PA production of Curious Savage. Last night I dreamt about how, at 76, he’s grown old with me. I was he and he is me. He’s a wonderful character.