SDT Focuses on Empathy, Kindness in Ideally Cast “Curious Savage”

The Curious Savage
by John Patrick
Directed by Gary F. Bell
Stray Dog Theatre
February 6, 2025

The Curious Savage may have flopped on Broadway when it debuted in 1950, but it’s had a vibrant life as a staple of regional, community, and school theatre in the decades since. Now, Stray Dog Theatre and director Gary F. Bell have brought John Patrick’s quirky, characterful comedy to their Tower Grove Abbey stage with wit, energy, and a first-rate cast that emphasize the show’s themes of kindness, compassion, and empathy in the midst of misunderstanding and greed in the outside world. In some ways, it’s a look at life in the past, but its message is timeless and engagingly compelling.

The story follows Ethel P. Savage (Liz Mischel), an eccentric widow and sometime actress who wants nothing more than to use her late husband’s fortune, that she has inherited, to give away and help people achieve their dreams. Unfortunately, her greedy adult stepchildren have other ideas and have Ethel committed to a private sanitarium, The Cloisters, as a way of trying to get the money from her. The establishment, headed up by the kindly Dr. Emmett (David Wassilak), assisted by capable nurse Miss Willie (Claire Coffey), is home to a quirky collection of residents who welcome Ethel with open arms. The contrast between the self-centered stepchildren and the patients at The Cloisters becomes clear as the stepchildren–stuffy senator Titus (Matt Anderson), much-married socialite Lily Belle (Sarajane Clark), and smarmy judge Samuel (Joseph Garner)–seem only out for their own interests, while the patients care about Ethel even in the midst of their own struggles. The story that unfolds is humorous and madcap on one level, but also serves as an object lesson in compassion and empathy.

The ensemble chemistry is essential here, with the truly terrific Mischel as Ethel leading a superb cast that works together especially well, displaying the strong bond that develops between Ethel and the patients in a credible “us vs. them” dynamic. Everyone has an important role, from Anne Vega’s motherly Florence, to displaced statistician Hannibal (Gansner), as well as the semi-silent and disgruntled Mrs. Paddy (Camille Fensterman); the childlike  Fairy May (Lindsey Grojean); to insecure war veteran Jeffrey (Tyson Cole), who suffers from survivor’s guilt and memory loss. Everyone is ideal for their role, with Grojean a particular standout in an energetic, vulnerable performance that reminds me in ways of Gilda Radner. There’s also excellent work from Wassilak as the even-tempered and kind Dr. Emmett, and Coffey as the caring Miss Willie, who has her own personal reasons to be there that will be revealed as the story goes on. As the greedy stepchildren, Anderson, Clark, and Garner make for a hilarious and pitiful trio, serving as a striking contrast to the gentler, more genuinely caring patients at the Cloisters.

The look and mood of this production are well maintained through director Bell’s excellent pacing and well-decorated set, aided by Colleen Michelson’s detailed period styled costumes. There’s also memorable work from sound designer Justin Been, with the use of music working especially well with the action. Tyler Duenow’s lighting is also proficient in helping to achieve and support the overall whimsical tone of the show.

Stray Dog Theatre is having excellent success lately with shows from the 1950’s, after closing out 2024 with a fun production of Bell, Book & Candle. The Curious Savage is in a similar vein as that show, but with more of an insightful, compassionate edge and a message that’s still as relevant today as it was 70 years ago. It’s also a remarkable showcase for a well-chosen and energetic cast. It’s a great way to start off the new year at SDT.

Stray Dog Theatre is presenting The Curious Savage at Tower Grove Abbey until February 22, 2025