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