Moorpark College Piques Audience Curiosity with The Curious Savage

The Curious Savage is coming to The Moorpark College Performing Arts Center Mainstage October 12-22. This uproarious 1950s comedy set in The Cloisters Sanitorium in Massachusetts follows the story of a flamboyant widow who is forcibly admitted to the sanatorium by her greedy stepchildren when she refuses to hand over her sizable inheritance.

“This play was very ahead of its time in terms of its message and structure,” said director and Theatre Arts faculty Suzanne Fagan. “It’s hysterical, and yet, by the end of the play, you’re blown away by the social commentary surrounding mental health, stigma, and family that’s been woven in throughout the story.”

Junior and Sophomore Theatre Arts students Annabelle Sanders and Kourtney Westphal share the lead role of Mrs. Savage, embodying the widow with comedic prowess and maturity far beyond their years.

“I’m normally behind the scenes as a costumer, but I wanted this opportunity to push myself as a performer to portray this over-the-top character,” said Sanders.

Pulitzer Prize winning playwright John Patrick expertly crafts a wacky yet charming world of acceptance and creativity inside the walls of the Sanitorium, leaving Mrs. Savage (and the audience) to question their perceptions of reality and normativity.

“This show sends such a powerful and universal message,” said Westphal. “It’s an honor to be able to perform an important piece like this alongside such a talented cast and crew.”

Performances of this thought-provoking comedy are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. October 12-21 on the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center Mainstage.

Tickets are $20 ($15 for students and seniors) and can be purchased through the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center Box Office. For questions about the show or information about our Performing Arts programs, contact Moorpark College Theatre Arts Faculty Suzanne Fagan at sfagan@vcccd.edu.