November 18-20, 2021
Director's Notes
The Cloisters is a sanctuary from the harsh reality of the real world, and its guests live a protected, structured life. The Curious Savage is a sort of personal sanctuary for me. I was lucky enough to perform as Fairy May in high school, and I directed John Patrick’s comic gem in my second year at Hammond in 2005. It is comforting to be able to return to full production work after 19 months with this familiar, heartwarming story.
Mrs. Savage wants what everyone wants--to want nothing. She would like to give her late husband’s fortune away to spread goodwill, much to the chagrin of her three greedy step-children. She meets a variety of eccentric strangers when she is committed to The Cloisters, and they quickly become dear friends. She learns from their innocence and they learn from her courage. The world needs more people like Ethel P. Savage, people who are fearless in their commitment to kindness, with a wild sense of fashion, and a genuine appreciation of teddy bears.
The Curious Savage is 70 years old this year, but its themes of acceptance and gratitude are as relevant as ever...the more things change, the more they stay the same. One thing that won’t stay the same for Hammond Theatre, however, is this space. This is the last fall play that will be performed in this auditorium, as the final stage of the renovation starts in June 2022. We look forward to updating our space (fingers crossed for more comfortable seats in the house!) and continuing many of our traditions from the first 44 years of Hammond Theatre. I am immensely proud of this cast and crew for their dedication, creative problem solving and collaboration throughout this process. Acting in masks, building a set with no shop, and relearning the production process hasn’t been easy, but this group has risen to the challenge.
Laughter is good for the soul and shared laughter is pure magic. Thank you for being here so we can revive the magic that we have been missing. Oh, and when you leave, please ”take an umbrella, it’s raining.”
- Lauren Tobiason
“And if I laugh at any mortal thing, ‘tis that I may not weep.” -Lord Byron
SETTING: The Cloisters, Massachusetts, 1950
Act 1, Scene 1: Night
Act 1, Scene 2: The next morning
Act 2, Scene 1: That night, after dinner
10 minute INTERMISSION
Act 2, Scene 2: A few nights later
Act 3: A few minutes later
In consideration of the performers and the audience, use of LCD screens and noisemaking electronic devices is prohibited. No food or drink is allowed in the auditorium (water is acceptable).
Please turn off all cell phones prior to the start of the show!
Biographies
Rachel England
Mrs. Savage
Rachel England is a senior and cannot believe that this is her final Hammond play. She has been involved with the Hammond Theatre Department since freshman year. She is so excited for everyone to see this wonderful and quirky play and has truly enjoyed working with every single member involved in the cast and production. Enjoy the show!
Carter Jones
Hannibal
Carter Jones is a senior in high school this year. He has been in a total of 15 musicals, with The Curious Savage being his first play. Carter is the secretary for the Hammond’s International Thespian Society and a leader on the Improv Team. He is looking forward to participating in theatre after a long break.
Samantha Biggs
Mrs. Paddy
Samantha Biggs is a senior this year and has been with the theatre department since her freshman year. She has always done tech crew for the plays so this is her first time acting in the play. She loves everyone in the department and is super excited to be in the show this year!