Friday
March 19, 2010
Curious Savage questions materialism
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,” is the catchphrase on the posters for the upcoming Indiana Wesleyan Theatre Guild play, “The Curious Savage,” debuting tonight.
“Although this is not a Christian play per se, the playwright seems to ask his audience to resist judgment and perceive people the way God sees them,” said director Dr. Kurt Edwards.
When the main character Ethel P. Savage starts spending the millions of dollars that her late husband has left her, the three stepchildren, Titus, Lily Belle and Samuel Savage, have her put in a sanatorium, called “The Cloisters.” According to Edwards’ director’s notes, Ms. Ethel Savage is forced to confront her selfishness, her perceived stereotypes and her often selfish desire to only see herself in the mirror. Being a comedy, the play sets up a contrast between the inmates and Mrs. Savage’s stepchildren. The play leaves the viewer wondering who the crazy ones really are.
“My favorite part of the play is the variety of off-the-wall characters,” said cast member Melissa McQueen (sr). “They are all so funny in their own ways and so entertaining to watch.” McQueen explained that the comparison of the characters in the group home is interesting because it shows how we overlook the fact that our own world has these crazy tendencies.
“I also love the set,” said McQueen. “There is a lot in it, even a baby grand piano, but then you add 10-12 people on it and it gets a little crowded and hard to move.”
Set designer and director, Dr. Greg Fiebig, said the overall look, which is very realistic, will impress people the most. It has a completely painted floor and ceiling.
“It was difficult getting it to fit the period, because it’s so specific,” said Fiebig. “It was difficult to find pieces to fit the timeframe.”
The biggest struggle they have faced with this play has been the lack of time.
“Another struggle, but also probably a success as well, is that we have three freshmen in the show,” said Edwards. “These three actors are doing a remarkable job and have proved to be extremely malleable and directable.”
“[When selecting this play] I absolutely loved the humor and the message, plus it had a great mix of strong characters and the opportunities for young actors,” said Edwards.
Edwards enjoys working with developing and growing actors and seeing them work on their craft and improve each and every day. One actor who he has worked with over the past four years is Rachel Marley (sr). Marley is playing the lead, Ethel P. Savage, in this production.
“To see her grow from playing a chorus member in ‘Antigone’ four years ago to her mature into this role is quite remarkable,” said Edwards.
As a senior nursing major, McQueen said she has been involved with the theatre since freshman year and it has been an incredibly positive experience.
“The value of theatre in what it has to teach people is powerful and it has the ability to display these messages in a tangible way,” McQueen said.
“The Curious Savage” will show in The Black Box Theatre in the Phillippe Performing Arts Center. The show will run Nov. 12–14 and 19-21. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday afternoons. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office. Adult tickets are $10, students’ $6, senior citizens’ and IWU employees’ are $8.
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