Island Players Live Theatre-Anna Maria Island

The Curious Savage, written by John Patrick, is a comedic play about Ethel P. Savage, an elderly woman whose husband recently died and left her approximately ten million dollars.

Primarily a comedy, the play sets up a contrast between the sanatorium inmates and Mrs. Savage’s stepchildren. By the end of the play, the viewer wonders who the crazy ones really are. Mrs. Savage, played expertly by Nancy B. Jensen arrives to meet the people at “The Cloisters.” She immediately finds these people delightful, and instinctively realizes not only their ‘issues’, but the beauty within each person.

The story … Mrs. Ethel Savage’s grownup stepchildren are trying to get their hands on the money their father left his eccentric wife. They soon realize they cannot get control of the funds and commit her to a sanatorium until she reveals what she has done with the money. She is determined to use her money for others good and plans to set up a fund to help people realize their hopes and dreams. Some might find the residents are mentally ill, social misfits, men and women that can not adjust to life, but Mrs. Savage finds them sweet, delightful human beings. Mrs. Savage finds happiness with these residents and plans to spend the rest of her life with them, helping them. When the Doctor tells her there is no need for her to remain there she is reluctant to go back to a world where others will do anything for money. During the play you will see the vast contrast between the sanatorium residents and Mrs. Savage’s step-children, but by the end of the play you will wonder who the “crazy”ones really are. With a calm composure Mrs. Savage leads her step-children on a chase as her friends conspire to get rid of them. Together, Mrs. Savage carries out her plan. A farewell party is a delightful fantasy for each resident and will leave the audience feeling that all kindness hasn’t been lost in a world sometimes motivated by greed.