Flying Cards? Sudden blackouts! A giant teddy bear!? What is this play even about!? Well, I’m glad you asked! My name is Ronnel Avillanoza and this is my third year (as a Senior) with the Leonardtown ROSE ( “Raiders’ On Stage Endeavors”) Players and as one of the characters in the play- Hannibal. I’m here to tell you about this year’s production of “The Curious Savage.” Sit back- or sit up to read about this play and all the ROSE players’ hard work, headed by our wonderful director, Mr. Barbato, have put into it!
Synopsis (Without Spoilers!)
The Curious Savage is a comedic play written by John Patrick. Mrs. Ethel (P) Savage encompasses the story with a quirky outlook on life and a huge inheritance as a widow. She inherits her late husband’s fortunes and decides to choose unconventional ways of spending which, to her dismay, frustrates her grandchildren who seek the money out of greed. To prevent Mrs. Savage’s “misuse of money,” the stepchildren decide to send her to a sanatorium.
Here, she meets a small group of eccentric yet lovable people who grow to her as if they were the family she never had. However, to what extent is Mrs. Savage willing to hold onto her inheritance until her greedy step children can take it away from her? Stay tuned to find out!
The play delves into themes of kindness, greed, societal values, unconventional perspectives, and balancing the use of humor and personal moments in connecting the characters to create an emotional connection to the characters for the audience to enjoy! Watch closely as you might learn a thing or two about being kind and judging books… or should I say plays by their covers!
The Characters!
The Family
Mrs. Savage (Played by Faith Tucker, Understudied by Payton Marco)
A witty, resilient, yet eccentric recently widowed woman. She has a strong sense of independence and is determined to utilize her wealth in what she believes will bring others happiness, even if she defies what’s seen as conventional. Watch as you see raw emotion and independence through their acting with a hint of wittiness to pair with their dialogue that will make you laugh, cry, or get you at the edge of your seat.
Titus (Played by Preston Petitjean)
Just one of Mrs. Savage’s stepchildren. He is the sena-TOR driven by power, run through sternness, and concerned with maintaining the public image of his family and political influence. He is often seen as uptight and impatient towards his mother’s (unconventional) actions. Watch their franticness and large acting choices through their actions that’ll make you jump in your seat!
Samuel (Played by Brayden Seda, Understudied by Ben Schmalgemeyer)
The quieter of the two stepchildren of Mrs. Savage still follow their siblings’ lead in controlling Mrs. Savage and the wealth she has without wanting to follow in their shadows. He is nervous and always attempting to impress the others… to no avail. This character is quieter, but with each piece of dialogue, you’d want to be hearing more.
Lilybelle (Played by Grace Foster, Understudied by Abby Lovelace)
Watch out for this stepchild! Superficial. Vain. And highly concerned with the whereabouts and location of the wealth that her stepmother holds. Her shallow and materialistic needs pair with her high temper and expressions of annoyance. Watch and listen closely or… cover your ears, her dialogue packs a punch towards the character she directs it to and would make you want to hide your wealth if she were your stepkid!
The Guests
Florence ( Played by Kaelin King, Understudied by Ashley Ludlow)
Sweet as candy, fragile as glass, this motherly figure is filled with elegance and class. She carries around a doll, “John Thomas” in her arms that she treats as if he were her child. She sticks with the other guests making sure each one is accounted for in their own manner. You know what they say, mother knows best! Watch as she cares for and is conscientious about the other guests, and maybe ask her what The royal game of India is!
Fairy Mae (Played by Zoe Santos, Understudied by Piper Allee)
Oh boy, watch as this overly enthusiastic and imaginative young woman scattered in excitement, wallowing in sadness, or doing her best to catch your attention and crave your acceptance, catch your eye! Her whimsical personality creates a warmth to the play as well as some comic relief. Watch as she commits to the silliest and biggest acting choices you’ve ever seen, but before you do that… she needs to be told that you love her…
Hannibal (Played by Ronnel Avillanoza, Understudied by Mia Buckler)
Out of tune while playing violin but in tune with his emotions, loyalty, and kindness to others. This statistician has a high percentage of keeping you entertained while immersed in his world of imagination. Watch this silly sarcastic statistician go! Stop what you’re doing, look as he responds with sarcasm, but maybe not listen when they have a violin on hand!
Jeffrey (Played by Logan Harris, Understudied by Rayne Wood)
Quiet and introspective is the best way to describe this former military pilot. He bears his emotional scars, as well as a scar on his right cheek that he hides with his right. His struggles with inadequacy are only punctuated by his lack of confidence. Watch as this character unfolds in front of your eyes and his character is put on full display through the language of acting.
Mrs. Paddy (Played by Lileigh Carver, Understudied by Christina Ramirez)
She hates everything in the world, but most of all… I can’t recite all of it, but if you watch the play you’ll hear it yourself! A reclusive, elusive, and eccentric lady she is with her silence being broken only by the things she states she hates, adding a unique charm to the play. Watch her lack of words be made up by the times she does speak and the acting choices she makes in response to everyone else
The Staff
Miss Willie (Wilhelmina) (Played by Bella Guzman, Understudied by Lucy Middaugh)
A practical, dutiful, and steadfast young woman she is. Assistant and nurse to Dr. Emmet, she plays so much more of an important role in the play than her role as a nurse. She serves as a grounding force in the lively environment of the guests. Watch as her dialogue develops the play and plays a part in the development of the story and the connections of the guests with Mrs. Savage.
Dr. Emmet (Played by JJ Rosen, Understudied by Jayce Shaw)
Compassion. A doctor seeking only what’s best for his guests. Like the audience, Dr. Emmet sees the value of each of the patient’s individuality and holds one of the great Raider Strong qualities of “Genuine.” He is genuine to each of the guests and Savage family members with the intent of caring for each of the character’s well-being. Watch as he seeks the best in each character only hoping to help everyone and progress the action.
So what are you waiting for!? Go out there and watch your Leonardtown ROSE Raiders perform and put on a show you won’t forget. Cause lets be honest, who’s going to forget flying cards, sudden black outs, and a GIANT TEDDY BEAR!
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