'The Curious Savage' comes to Batavia

John Patrick's "The Curious Savage," which debuted in 1950, calls into question conventional definitions of sanity while offering plenty of PG-rated laughs. The comedy will be presented by the Albright Theatre Company May 2-17 in Batavia.

Performance times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, at the theater, 100 N. Island Ave., third floor of the Batavia Government Building.

Tickets are $15 for adults or $12 for students and seniors. Reservations are recommended; call (630) 406-8838.

After losing her husband and inheriting his millions, Mrs. Savage sets up a fund in his memory to assist people in pursuing their dreams. But her stepchildren find her plans for the money eccentric, and they have Mrs. Savage committed to The Cloisters, a sanatorium where the other "guests" are social misfits, in the hope that she comes to her senses.

Mrs. Savage sends her stepchildren on a chase for the money, all the while building friendships with the other residents, who help Mrs. Savage carry out her plans to outwit her stepchildren.

Patrick's charming and funny script leaves the audience with a feeling that, in a world of greed and dishonesty, one can still have their dreams come true with a little love and attention.

"I was initially drawn to the show because reading it just made me feel good," said Oswego resident and co-director, Heidi Swarthout. "The show is innocent, lighthearted, fun and appropriate for all ages. So many stories feature an 'evil stepparent' as the villain. In this show, the tables are turned as we root for Mrs. Savage to outwit her greedy stepchildren. Our cast has brought these charmingly quirky characters to life, and the plot is as clever as it is funny."

Dorothy Attermeyer of Hinsdale portrays Mrs. Savage. The Cloisters staff includes Bruce Worthel of North Aurora and Sutton Skowron of Elgin. The residents of The Cloisters are played by Jan Spink of Elgin, Gina Palmer of Lombard, Alexander Seymour of Aurora, Amaria VonDran of Geneva and Ryan Green of Batavia as Jeff. Mrs. Savage's stepchildren are portrayed by R. Scott Purdy of St. Charles, Beth Oberle of St. Charles and Mark Dettman of Batavia. "The Curious Savage" is supported by stage manager and producer Jon Jocson of Geneva.

"In directing a cast of 11 it has been a delight to see each character come to life," said Aurora resident and co-director, Jana Sanders. "I have laughed so much from the antics of the characters and have come to appreciate each cast member's influence on each of them. I think our audience will be able to identify a little bit with each character as they get to know them through the performance."

For more information, visit www.albrighttheatre.com.