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Gift and greed will come face to face in the upcoming production of “The Curious Savage” by the Encore Players, starting this weekend.
The warm comedy follows a widowed woman named Ethel P. Savage who gives away portions of a $10 million inheritance.
Out of selfishness, her stepchildren send the “curious savage” to a sanatorium called Cloisters. But the move backfires, as Savage meets kind residents and becomes self-assured in her do-good instincts.
“(Theater is) there to entertain, educate and enlighten,” director Steven McCloud said in a statement. “It can teach us that we are stronger when we empathize. I think our show encapsulates that very idea.”
While suited for all ages, the characters and conflicts in the story may be more relatable to adults, Encore Players spokesperson Donna Blevins said.
Among those who have found a connection with the characters is Martie Muldoon, the actress of Savage.
“I can relate to this character in many ways. Having lost my husband myself, I’ve also had to create a new life on my own,” Muldoon said in a statement. “And I also couldn’t have done it without the support of my community. Luckily, my children are not like the Savage children!”
Other cast members include Heidi Amstrup, David Ghilardi, J.D. Dozier, Amanda Farmer, Maren Haws, Truett Malakoff, Donna Blevins, Desty Olson, Rachel McElroy and Matt Hess.
Originally written by John Patrick, this production features Bill Leach as the stage manager and Nancy Grover as the prop creator.
The Encore Players community theater group works to spotlight senior actors and directors, according to its website.
Performances will be held from Nov. 16-17 and Nov. 22-24 at various times at the Bothwell Arts Center at 2466 8th St. in Livermore.
Tickets are available for purchase at the door and online at livermorearts.org.
