By Cindy Whitehair
Titus Productions Theatre Co.’s production of The Curious Savage in Midvale is the tender-hearted story of a “family” of misfits and their attempts to fit into a world that just doesn’t understand them.
Elderly widow Mrs. Savage (Emily Landeen) has been committed to the Cloisters (an insane asylum) by her “loving” family (Michael Thrall, Sasha Nutger, Heather McNabb) because she wants to give away the fortune her husband left to ordinary people with extraordinary, some would say foolish, dreams. While in the Cloisters she makes new friends (Sydney Adams, Nikki North, Jeff North, Dan Martinez, Joanne Galloway, Kimberly Johnson and Jennica Henderson) and finds out that family is not always just the people who share blood.
The set (design not credited) helps set the mood nicely. All of the action takes place in the common room at The Cloisters and this set had the wonderful homey feel of your grandmother’s living room. Large sofas, tables, and chairs dominate the stage and help define exactly where you are. The costumes (Denise Adams) are great because they tell you who the characters are before they even speak.
The Savage Family is about as dysfunctional as you can imagine and the name fits the way they often treat one another. They are as failed as individuals as they are as a family. Titus Savage (Thrall) is the only member of Congress who is not permitted in the White House, Lily Belle (Nutger) has 6 failed marriages and Samuel (McNabb) is the most overturned judge in history. Each has their own quirks that the actors pick up and run with. The quiet one (McNabb) says more with a look than words, while blustery Titus often falls over himself (and the couch) with great frequency. Nutger is the perfect spoiled rich debutant. The residents of The Cloisters are often the more calming influences, for all of their own quirks. Adams is all sweet, flouncy innocence. N. North is wonderful as the matron of the group and seems the most “normal”. J. North did a nice job helping you see that his character’s scars were much deeper than his PTSD allowed even him to see. Martinez is a stitch ticking off (in the air) all of the things that Mrs. Paddy (Galloway) hates. As the only sane ones in the group, you may overlook Nurse Winne (Henderson) and Dr. Emmett (Johnson) but don’t. Henderson has some heartbreaking, touching moments with J. North. Johnson brings a no-nonsense, common sense to the situation that is sorely needed.
The thing that brings this touching show altogether is Jake Anderson’s direction and love for the show. In his director’s notes, he talks about the special meaning that this show has for him. His tender-hearted handling of a subject that is as rife for mishandling as mental illness is, is commendable.
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The Curious Savage is one show you really need to see. The loving way that the characters are presented is what is good about theater. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will look at your neighbor and your family through a different lens.
Titus Productions Theatre Co. presents The Curious Savage by John Patrick
Midvale Performing Arts Center, 695 W Center Street Midvale, Utah 84047
June 22, 23, and 25, 7:30 pm
Tickets: $10
The Curious Savage Facebook Event
Titus Productions Theatre Co. Facebook Page
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