The Curious Savage
Directed by Bonnie Spencer
Presented by Center Stage Productions
Presented by Center Stage Productions
May 8-17, 2026 - ADMISSION $15
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The Curious SavageBy John Patrick
Directed by Bonnie Spencer Presented by Center Stage Productions May 8–17, 2026 Chewelah Center for the Arts
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Tickets on sale in May.
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Sanity is overrated.
A Report from The Cloisters
Ethel P. Savage has inherited ten million dollars and plans to use it for something wildly impractical: kindness.
Her stepchildren, however, have other plans. Determined to protect their reputations and seize control of the fortune, they commit Mrs. Savage to a private sanatorium, hoping to declare her incompetent and gain access to the money.
Inside the institution, Mrs. Savage meets a collection of residents who have been dismissed by society as “odd,” “broken,” or “unfit.” Yet within this unconventional circle she discovers honesty, compassion, and genuine humanity. As her calculating stepchildren attempt to outmaneuver her, Mrs. Savage proves far more perceptive than they expect.
John Patrick’s warm-hearted comedy shines a gentle spotlight on greed, sanity, and what it truly means to be wise. Filled with humor, tenderness, and delightful eccentricity, The Curious Savage reminds us that the most extraordinary people are often those the world misunderstands.
Her stepchildren, however, have other plans. Determined to protect their reputations and seize control of the fortune, they commit Mrs. Savage to a private sanatorium, hoping to declare her incompetent and gain access to the money.
Inside the institution, Mrs. Savage meets a collection of residents who have been dismissed by society as “odd,” “broken,” or “unfit.” Yet within this unconventional circle she discovers honesty, compassion, and genuine humanity. As her calculating stepchildren attempt to outmaneuver her, Mrs. Savage proves far more perceptive than they expect.
John Patrick’s warm-hearted comedy shines a gentle spotlight on greed, sanity, and what it truly means to be wise. Filled with humor, tenderness, and delightful eccentricity, The Curious Savage reminds us that the most extraordinary people are often those the world misunderstands.
The Architect of The Cloisters
John Patrick (1905–1995) was a Pulitzer Prize–winning American playwright and screenwriter celebrated for his wit and enduring comedies. His Broadway works include Hell Freezes Over (1935), The Willow and I (1942), The Hasty Heart (1945), The Curious Savage (1950), and Lo and Behold (1951). He achieved his greatest acclaim with The Teahouse of the August Moon (1953), adapted from Vern J. Sneider’s novel, which earned both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play; he later adapted it for film (1956) and as the musical Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen (1970).
Patrick also wrote numerous screenplays, including Three Coins in the Fountain (1954) and Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing (1955), along with dozens of one-act and full-length comedies. Among them, Everybody Loves Opal and its sequels remain favorites of community theatres.
Patrick also wrote numerous screenplays, including Three Coins in the Fountain (1954) and Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing (1955), along with dozens of one-act and full-length comedies. Among them, Everybody Loves Opal and its sequels remain favorites of community theatres.
The Players of The Cloisters
The Residents
- Becky Goforth as Fairy May – Childlike and unkempt, she spins tall tales and is obsessed with being loved, believing herself utterly beautiful.
- Eliana Gonzalez as Florence – The "mother" of The Cloisters, she dotes on her “son” John Thomas, a doll she treats as real..
- Joshua Rochester as Hannibal – Once a statistician replaced by a calculator, he now plays the violin with misplaced confidence.
- Brad Shaffer as Jeff – A shy, haunted ex-pilot who hides a war scar, plays the piano in private, and forgets he is married to Miss Willie.
- Jeannie Loutherback as Mrs. Paddy – When she speaks it is only to list what she hates and has given up electricity for Lent.
The Staff
- Elizabeth Freeman as Miss Wilhelmina (Miss Willie) – Nurse and assistant at The Cloisters, married to Jeff, caring for all residents while hoping Jeff will one day remember her.
- Michael Rogers as Dr. Emmett – The kind, warmhearted doctor who cares deeply for his patients at The Cloisters.
The Savage Family
- Patty West as Ethel P. Savage – Witty and kindhearted, she hides her late husband’s fortune from her greedy stepchildren to help others, and comes to cherish the residents of The Cloisters, accepting their quirks and delusions with warmth and open-mindedness.
- Tony Bolles as Titus Savage – The eldest stepson of Mrs. Savage, a sober and humorless U.S. senator with a quick temper, widely disliked in Congress and constantly burdened by threatening letters.
- Rachel Kristianson as Lily Belle Savage – The middle stepchild, a chic and arrogant celebrity heiress with six marriages, selfish and determined to ensure everyone respects her.
- Rion Loutherback as Samuel Savage – The youngest stepchild, a judge with the most overturned decisions in the U.S., who lurks in his siblings’ shadows, offering occasional sassy remarks that are quickly dismissed.
Behind the Curtain at The Cloisters
- Director - Bonnie Spencer
- Stage Manager - Debby McConnell
- Sound Engineer - Jay Andrews
- Lighting Designer -
- Lightboard Operator -
- Set Design -
- Set Construction -
- Costumes -
By Special Arrangement
THE CURIOUS SAVAGE (AMATEUR PERFORMANCE RIGHTS) is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service.
www.concordtheatricals.com
www.concordtheatricals.com