FOR CITY TIMES

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – WRCT presents the heartwarming comedy “The Curious Savage” by John Patrick and directed by Stephanie Hoerth.

Play synopsis

Mrs. Savage has been left ten million dollars by her husband and wants to make the best use of it, in spite of her grown-up stepchildren’s efforts to get their hands on it. Knowing that the widow’s wealth is now in negotiable securities, and seeing they cannot get hold of the fortune, the stepchildren commit her to a sanatorium hoping to “bring her to her senses.”

In the sanatorium, Mrs. Savage meets various social misfits – men and women who just cannot adjust themselves to life, people who need the help Mrs. Savage can provide. In getting to know them, she realizes that she will find happiness with them and plans to spend the rest of her life as one of them. But when the doctor tells her there is no reason why she should remain, she hesitates to go out into a hard world where people seem ready to do anything for money.

The self-seeking stepchildren are driven to distraction by their vain efforts to browbeat Mrs. Savage, but she preserves her equanimity and leads them on a merry chase. At last her friends conspire to get rid of her stepchildren, and through their simple belief in the justice of her cause, they enable Mrs. Savage to carry out her plans to establish a fund to help others realize their hopes and dreams.

The dominant mood is high comedy, and the audience is left with a feeling that the neglected virtues of kindness and affection have not been entirely lost in a world that seems at times motivated only by greed and dishonesty.

“At its core ‘The Curious Savage’ is about family; whether that family is the one you’re born into or the one you find along the way,” says Director Stephanie Hoerth. “I first read this script back in high school and these characters and the story have always stuck with me. I have been extremely fortunate to have an incredibly-talented cast, with some brand new actors, as well as seasoned veterans,” Hoerth added. “They have all been working together wonderfully and it has been a joy. Our amazing crew has built a very impressive set and found some perfectly-detailed props and costumes to really get us into the right spirit of the show. It has been so rewarding and fun to get to play in this world that is The Cloisters. When you come and see ‘The Curious Savage’ in May, you will meet some unforgettable characters that will make you laugh, make you teary-eyed and maybe make you think about life a little differently. We look forward to having you join us for a fun evening.”

Performances will be held May 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 at 7 p.m. and May 13 at 2 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre at Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre, located in the Centralia Center. Ticket information can be found at: https://www.wrctheatre.org or by calling 715-421-0435.