Good and greed battle it out in comedy

The Proscenium Players bring another comedy to life this weekend - "The Curious Savage," by John Patrick, who also wrote "Teahouse of the August Moon."

"This was the first play I was in," said director Dave Josten during rehearsals. "I recently reread it, and decided it held up very well.

"It's really an all-ages, very funny show," he said.

The play unravels as a contest between good and greed, with Ethel P. Savage (Jonni Moon) representing the good, and her children Titus (Geoff Moore), Samuel (Larry Brilliant) and Lilly Belle (Beth Peterson) representing the greed.

Ethel inherits $10 million and decides to help out those in need, while the children want to help themselves to the money.

Ethel's idea of good is helping an Italian immigrant farmer get some dirt from his homeland, which the kids think is nuts. So they arrange to put her in a sanitarium while they scheme to get the bucks.

It all takes place in the living room of the Cloisters Sanitarium in 1954.

Of course, it all revolves around Mrs. Savage, who, toting around an oversized teddy bear, certainly looks like the kind of woman who would import dirt from Italy. She's a funny lady, free from any self-consciousness.

This is an all-areas cast, with Carson City, Reno, Gardnerville, Minden and Carson Valley represented.

It's also a very talented cast, with performers such as Kathy Welch giving an over-the-top performance as Fairy Mae; she's a screecher of skill. And Eloise Koening as Mrs. Paddy gives a wide-eyed turn as the sometimes-mute critic.

Other cast members include Jamie Brazil, Richard Sorenson, Rory Hogen, Jeri Pope and Patrick Hardy. Pat Josten is producer. Lights are by Gary Guberman, sound by Jud Price, and costumes by Brittney Monroe.

The play, described by Josten as a show without a "single damn or curseword in it," opens Friday night at 8 p.m. at the Donald W. Reynolds Theatre in the Brewery Arts Center.

It continues Saturday and Nov. 11, 12,18, and 19 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 general admission, $10 for players members, seniors and students. Call 883-1976.

n Contact reporter Sam Bauman at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.

If you go

What: "The Curious Savage"

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 8 p.m. Nov. 11, 12, 18, 19; 2 p.m. Nov. 14

Where: Donald W. Reynolds Theatre of the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St.

Tickets: $12 general admission, $10 for players members, seniors and students.

Call: 883-1976.