Rehearsals are in full swing for Dundas County Players’ next production, The Curious Savage, a heartwarming comedy written by John Patrick and directed by Lynn Jolicoeur. The show will take the stage at the Old Town Hall in Winchester on April 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28.
Who exactly is the curious savage? It’s the main character, Ethel Savage, who has been unceremoniously dumped at The Cloisters, a mental institution of sorts, by her three step-children – a senator, judge and socialite. It’s all part of a plan to steal Ethel’s $10 million dollar inheritance left to her by her late husband. What really irks the greedy stepchildren is the fact that their stepmother intends to set up a memorial fund to help people pursue their dreams instead of sharing the large fortune with them.
At The Cloisters, Ethel meets an assortment of endearing and colourful residents who appreciate her for who she is, not for her millions. Everyone there is dealing with deep-seated wounds; some come to light as the play unfolds, others are left to the imagination. Regardless, the audience will root for them all to find peace and comfort.
“This play has spoken to me for a long time and I’m thrilled to be sharing its poignant story with local audiences,” explains Jolicoeur. “I particularly love the sweet and kind residents of The Cloisters. They will undoubtedly capture your heart with their humour and eccentricities.”
“I also want to give a big shout out to the cast as a whole. They are working hard to bring to light the complexity, playfulness and dignity of this play,” added Jolicoeur.
In the end, the greed and selfishness of the “upstanding” Savage children is shown in stark contrast to the emotional intelligence and generosity of the inmates. Mrs. Savage manages to pull a fast one on her family, proving that even behind locked doors and barred windows, she still holds all the aces.
Dundas County Players are pleased to announce that all money raised from the April 20 show will go to the fundraising efforts for the New Dundas Manor.
Performances will take place on April 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28. Friday and Saturday shows (April 19, 20, 26 and 27) start at 7:30 pm. There will be matinees at 2 pm on Sundays, April 21 and 28. The running time is approximately 2.5 hours, including a 20 minute intermission.
Tickets are $20 for adults ($10 for under 18) and are available through Eventbrite at dcplayers.ca, or by contacting the DCP Ticket Line at 613-297-0097.
The Dundas County Players Theatre Society is a community volunteer organisation that promotes theatre arts in Dundas County. For the past 28 years, Dundas County Players has been providing quality entertainment including plays, children’s summer workshops, and cabarets.
