The cast of Madison-Plains High School’s production of “The Curious Savage” includes: (front row, from left) Janelle Marks, Sara Hoop, Dani Breen; (back row) Samantha Meade, Alexa Freier, Zachary Marchiando, Owen Phillips, Will Cooley and Jennifer Shafer. Not pictured: Auburn Pierce and Josh Warnock.
(Posted Nov. 10, 2017)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Ashley Woodard has previous experience directing “The Curious Savage,” John Patrick’s play about kindness, greed, and what it means to be sane.
So, when students expressed interest in performing the play, the new-to-Madison-Plains English teacher took the “fortuitous melding of the minds” and ran with it. Shows are set for Nov. 17-19.
“This is an ensemble show, which means there are no small parts. The students are embracing their characters. Everyone is working together really well,” Woodard said.
She is especially impressed by the collaborative nature of the student-actors.
“They care a lot about this program, so they are willing to do whatever it takes to make a quality production,” she said. “(Rehearsal) is a part of my day that I really look forward to. I’m fortunate to work with such a talented, passionate group.”
That group is telling the story of Ethel P. Savage (played by Sara Hoop), a widow whose husband left her $10 million and whose children think her bizarre behavior warrants her admittance to a psychiatric ward. There, Ethel meets the Cloisters, a bunch of misfits who teach her the true meaning of being yourself.
“The play is heartwarming and funny. It’s sweet,” Woodard said, adding that the show is very family-friendly.
The cast is handling the material well, she added, making special mention of Hoop’s performance as Ethel.
“It’s a very difficult piece for the lead. She has a lot of lines. Sara is handling it with grace and poise. She’s doing a great job,” Woodard said.
Carter Wroda is assistant director. The crew includes Dalton Dodds, Jenna Lawless, Aubrey Lilly and Fiona Stuart.
Show times are 7 p.m. Nov. 17-18 and 2 p.m. Nov. 19. Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $3 for students ages 5 to 18 years old and $7 for adults. All shows take place in the high school auditorium.
