Spend any amount of time in The Villages and it becomes clear there’s no shortage of tremendous theatrical talent among its residents. This April brings another chance to enjoy this perk as The Villages Theater Company presents their spring production, “The Curious Savage.”
Written by John Patrick and directed by theater veteran Martha Manning, this light hearted comedy about greed, family, love and a whole host of other important topics is the perfect vehicle for a laugh-filled evening. The plot revolves around Ethel Savage, a wealthy widow who wishes to set up a fund to give her husband’s money away to people who wish to follow their dreams. Finding her idea foolish, her greedy stepchildren place her in The Cloisters, a comfortable and tasteful sanitarium hoping she will come to her senses. The charming patients conspire with her creating chaos in her effort to foil the selfish Savage siblings.
Cast members include familiar faces Kitty Cozza, John Ferris, Barb Pearson, Mike Jacoby, and Arline Bonner, who won the Melon Patch Players’ Sara Award for best supporting actress in their production of Crossing Delancey.
Company member Walter Martin said auditions for the production took place during the first week of February. While many of the cast members have some theater experience, there are no professional actors in the cast.
“Our actors are all amateurs that may have acted in high school and want to renew that experience. Some directors have had previous directing experience. We have a lot of former teachers. I became interested because I was in sales and was accustomed to talking to groups of people.”
He added, “We held a special audition for the part of the bear who plays an integral part in the production.”
Curious Savage will be performed at Mulberry Grove Center, April 29 to May 2 . Performances begin at 7 p.m. There will be a full set built on the stage and all actors will be wearing state-of-the art microphones to ensure excellent sound quality. Tickets are available at all Villages box offices. The cost is $18 for Villagers and $23 for all others. Learn more at http://www.thevillagesentertainment.com/theater-company
