Reviewed by Tony Annicone
Renaissance City Theatre Inc., the producing entity of Granite Theatre’s third show of their 19th season is “The Curious Savage” by John Patrick. We are transported back in time to 1950 where evil stepchildren send their philanthropic stepmother into a sanitarium because she wants to give their father’s 10 million dollars to charitable endeavors. It sounds more like something that would happen in our turbulent society of today. Ethel Savage is a kindly woman meets nicer people here than in her own family. The inmates (as they are called) include Hannibal, who believes he’s an accomplished violinist; Jeffrey, who was an airplane pilot in World War II and thinks his face is scarred; Florence, who carries a doll with her because of a tragic incident in her past; the plain-Jane, Fairy May who thinks she’s a beauty queen; and Mrs. Paddy who was told to shut up and never utters a word except to complain about things she hates. We observe how Ethel tries to outwit her greedy stepchildren, how she deals with her new roommates and how a doctor and nurse might be her salvation. The audience roots for Ethel to succeed in her quest because of all the negativity of the current times. We definitely need more positive and heartwarming stories like this in our lives these days. Director Jude Pescatello casts this heartwarming comedy splendidly and the audience enjoys and savors every moment of it. He mixes the comic and dramatic moments together perfectly, eliciting tears from the audience at the well written ending. I have many fond memories of this show as it was my first straight show in community theatre for Warwick Players back in 1979 when I played Hannibal.
Beth Jepson stars as Ethel Savage, who wants her late husband’s money to be spent on worthy causes unlike the spoiled Senator, Judge and six times married stepdaughter who bought their way into their professions. Ethel transfers her 10 million dollars into bonds and tells them she buried them in three different places including the hot house at the White House, the chimney of their own home and in a stuffed porpoise at the museum. Jepson tackles this role and displays the charm and vivacity the role calls for while interacting with each of her roommates in a kind and patient manner. It shows how you must live your life to the fullest and not let your dreams go unfulfilled.
The inmates are marvelous and display the kindliness and loyalty their parts call for. The gorgeous Michelle Mania dowdies herself up to portray Fairy May who believes herself to be more beautiful than she is. Her one liners are hilarious and well delivered including many tall tales. Marc Vakassian displays great charm as Jeffrey who is an expert pianist but believes his scarred face will keep him from having normal relationships with people. John Andriso plays Hannibal, a statistician who can’t play a note on his violin. The exercise scene when Ethel makes him throw cards in the air is very funny. Darla Allen plays Florence, the sensitive motherly type woman who stands on ceremony at tea services and carries a doll with her. And last but not least is the surly inmate, Mrs. Paddy, who likes to paint and is well played by Mandy Solis. Mrs. Paddy hasn’t spoken in 20 years except to say things that she hates and continually shuts off the lights in a room..
Doctor Emmett and Nurse Willie are wonderfully played by Paula Glen and Erika Lund while the evil stepchildren are played to the hilt with their greed and avarice pouring out to the audience by John Cillino, Larry Warner and Deanna Delaney. Her five year old scene, Jonathan who is cute as a button, plays a child in a dream sequence that portrays how Ethel Savage views the inmates. So for a fabulous comedy which makes you laugh merrily, tug on your heartstrings and has a little bit of a mystery in the second act, be sure to catch “A Curious Savage” by Renaissance City Theatre Inc. in Westerly.
THE CURIOUS SAVAGE (31 May to 16 June)
Renaissance City Theatre Inc., Granite Theatre, 1 Granite Street, Westerly, RI
1(401)596- 2341 or www.granitetheatre.com
