The Proscenium Players advertised "The Curious Savage" as "high comedy." High it may not be, but it certainly is comic.
There's a star turn by Kathy Welch as Fairy Mae, who shouts most of her lines in a volume that can only be compared to an air raid siren. Quite in contrast is Eloise Koenig as Mrs. Paddy, who refuses to speak except to list the things she hates. Her fright wig may be natural or not, but it surely is effective.
Yes, the play takes place in the living room of the Cloisters, which in less-P.C. times would have been described as the nut house (and in fact is described just that way in the play).
The lead role is Mrs. Savage, of course, portrayed with sly wit and just enough mugging by Jonni Moon. She enters late in the comedy, along with her precious (in both senses of the word) teddy bear. She recently inherited a cool $10 million, which she wanted to use to establish a foundation to help people realize their dreams.
Out to thwart her are her three stepchildren, who naturally want to get the hands on the $10 mil. They are portrayed by Geoff Moore, who plays a U.S. senator with a stuffy attitude; Larry Brilliant, playing a greedy judge; and Beth Peterson as oft-wed Lilly who doesn't know where her next husband is coming from. All three are just what they should be, perfect foils for Mrs. Savage.
Jamie Brazil, who seems all too sane for much of the show, is Florence; Richard Sorenson is Jeffrey, who has some bad memories to deal with; and Rory Hogen, is a one-time statistician who now befuddles himself with a violin. Then there is the sane one, nurse Miss Willie, who keeps a patient and caring hand on all the patients. She assists the dependable Patrick Hardy as the doctor in sort-of charge of the Cloisters. Making a cameo appearance is Hunter Patterson.
All acquit themselves handsomely, and if the reaction of the sold-out opening night audience Friday is an indication, the Players have a hit on their hands.
Director Dave Josten keeps the action and jokes flowing neatly, and producer Pat Josten makes sure all the lights work and props are handy. Gary Guberman as usual makes sure the lights go out and come up on time. Everyone except the city mayor it seems helped build the handsome set.
"Savage" was first performed in 1950, but for a 55-year-old it certainly has a lot of life.
- Contact Sam Bauman at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.
If you go
What: A comedy, "The Curious Savage" in two acts
Where: The Brewery Arts Center Donald W. Reynolds Theatre
When: Nov. 11, 12, 18, and 19 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $12 general admission, $10 for players members, seniors and students. Call 883-1976. 8 p.m. at the Donald W. Reynolds Theatre in the Brewery Arts Center.
