The Curious Savage

Play

Writers: John Patrick

Overview

Show Information

Category
Play
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1950
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
the cloisters sanatorium
Cast Size
medium
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, High School
Casting Notes
Mostly female cast
Includes adult, late teen, young adult, mature adult, elderly characters

Synopsis

The Curious Savage is the story of an elderly widow named Mrs. Savage, whose husband has left her $10 million dollars. She intends to give the entire fortune away to people who wish to pursue their “foolish dreams,” but her stepchildren strongly object. To prevent her from doing away with their family’s wealth and ruining their legacy, they have her committed to a sanatorium called The Cloisters, and it is among the gentle residents there that she finds her true family. The Curious Savage is a warm comedy that compares the kindness and loyalty of psychiatric patients with the greed and hostility of so-called “normal people.” It opened in New York on Broadway in 1950 and played 31 performances with star Lillian Gish in the titular role.

Lead Characters


The Curious Savage guide sections