Theatre Wellesley’s production of The Curious Savage draws a crowd despite winter weather

From left, Olivia Cook as Fairy May, Grant Chapman as Jeffrey, Ingrid Fast as Ethel Savage, Nathan Martin as Hannibal and Josie Willett as Florence take the stage at the recent Theatre Wellesley performance of The Curious Savage. Contributed photo

By Amanda Modaragamage

Theatre Wellesley’s recent production of The Curious Savage by John Patrick drew large crowds despite the weather, bringing in more than 100 people to each performance.

Director Aidan Tessier said the show resonated with audiences in all the ways he had hoped, noting it delivered plenty of laughs along with more emotional moments.

“All of our fall shows up to this point have been pure farce, where comedy is the focus – high-energy laughs – whereas this one had a little more heart,” he said. “It was primarily a comedy, but it had heartfelt moments. It had a slower pace with introspective parts mixed in. There were even some tears at the end.”

Set in the 1950s, the play follows recently widowed Ethel Savage, played by Karen Reger, who decides to use her late husband’s fortune to create a fund that helps people pursue their boldest dreams.

Her three stepchildren – U.S. Senator Titus (Al Cook), Judge Samuel (Ian Hopkins) and society socialite and serial bride Lily-Belle (Renee Murray) – want the inheritance for themselves. Determined to get control of the money, they commit her to The Cloisters, hoping to discover where she has hidden the fortune.

Inside the sanatorium, Ethel meets an eccentric but kind group of residents who prove to be far more grounded and compassionate than her own family. Through them, she learns that making the world a better place doesn’t require wealth or power.

Tessier said the all-volunteer cast and crew connected strongly throughout the production, something he believes audiences could clearly see on stage.

“All the actors and all the backstage people had a blast together,” he said.

Proceeds from concessions were donated to the Wellesley Community Food Cupboard. For information on upcoming shows, visit theatrewellesley.com.