What would you do with $10 million if it were willed to you? In “The Curious Savage,” opening Thursday at Dalton Little Theatre, the main character, Ethel Savage, discovers the depths of her generosity when her wealthy husband dies.
She establishes a fund to help others realize their dreams and starts giving the money away. But her plans are thwarted when her three greedy stepchildren commit her to a mental institution trying to shock her to her senses.
There she meets five wonderfully eccentric misfits, all needing the kind of help Mrs. Savage can provide. With the help of these newfound friends, who eventually appear more sane than those outside the institution, Mrs. Savage leads her stepchildren on a merry chase for her money.
Written by John Patrick in the 1940s, the play is both funny and poignant, with an ending that places kindness and affection over greed and dishonesty, producers said.
Susan Ridley is directing the 11-member cast, which features Helen Crawford as Mrs. Savage.