Maine East presents stage comedy: The Curious Savage

Maine East High School student actors will delight audiences with the warm and gentle comedy, The Curious Savage, for three performances at 7:30 p.m. on May 10, 11 and 12.

The play, written by John Patrick and set in the early 1950s, takes place in a mental institution, where five residents of “The Cloisters” appear to function normally – except for one outsized delusion on the part of each.  They greet the newest resident as she arrives, a Mrs. Ethel Savage, who is being committed to the asylum by her trio of adult step-children, all of whom are hoping that the placement will force their stepmother to turn over to them some $10 million in negotiable securities left by her late husband.

But Mrs. Savage is neither so easily outwitted nor manipulated as her step-children expect.  And she would much prefer that the bequest go to a worthy cause and people in need rather than to her selfish and conniving step-children.  So, instead of revealing the location of the securities, she enlists the help of her new friends in The Cloisters to lead each of the step-children on a wild goose chase before a series of twists and turns brings, of course, a happy ending in which kindness trumps greed.

The production is being directed by Veronica Lynn along with Assistant Director Scott Metzger.  Technical direction is by Jessica Buczek.  Lighting design is by Thomas Nolan, costume design by Kimberly Morris.  Student Assistant Director is Mynor Pelaez; Stage Manager is Peyton Johnson; Student Production Assistant is Daniel Mercado.

Tickets cost $6 and are available at the door or may be ordered in advance by calling the Maine East Fine Arts office at 847.692.8500.  Maine East High School is located at 2601 West Dempster Street in Park Ridge.