A cast of colorful characters, a greedy chase for missing money, and a heartwarming message will intrigue audiences at the Fort Scott High School spring play. The comedy, “The Curious Savage” by John Patrick, is Mar. 15 at 7 p.m. and Mar. 16 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the FSHS Auditorium.
An ensemble cast of eleven students have worked for the past six weeks to embody the interesting characters in this show. They include senior Mary Gladbach playing the lead role of Mrs. Savage who is left ten million dollars by her late husband; and junior Dominic Cannon as Titus Savage, senior Daniela Belcuore as Lily Belle Savage, and senior Kaden Kiwan as Samuel Savage, the greedy children who when their mother won’t spoil them with the inheritance, decide to commit her to a group home. In the Cloisters group home, we find characters with a multitude of different personality disorders including senior Hunter Adamson as Fairy May, and juniors Jo Goodbody as Hannibal, Mesa Jones as Florence, and Addy Labbe as Mrs. Paddy; and sophomore Sage Hill as Jeffrey. Dr. Emmett, played by senior Karina Kantilal and Miss Wilhelmina played by senior Alyx Brooks are part of the caring staff who run the Cloisters.
“The dominant mood is high comedy, and the audience is left with a feeling that the neglected virtues of kindness and affection have not been entirely lost in a world that seems motivated at times only by greed and dishonesty,” according to Dramatists Play Service.
“This show features an outstanding cast of upper-classmen who are committed to theatre arts. It has been such a joy to see these students, especially our seniors, grow and improve over the past four years,” Bin said. “The cast members worked to create backgrounds for their characters and explore the varying aspects of these characters’ personalities. I am so proud of their heart-warming and poignant performance.”
Many other high school students are assisting with the technical aspects of this 1950s era show including the areas of stage manager and crew, costumes, makeup, hair, lighting, sound, set construction, set design, publicity, house management, props, and poster design. The show is directed by drama teacher Angie Bin and assistant directors juniors Wendy Monahan and Mark Adams.
Tickets for “The Curious Savage” are $7 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets are available from the high school office, 1005 S. Main; at Common Ground, 116 S. Main; or at the door.