Enumclaw High students present comedy next week

Published 1:42 pm Thursday, December 11, 2008

By Brenda Sexton, The Courier-Herald

"Utter fun," are the words Enumclaw High School drama teacher and director Julie Somers uses to describe this year's spring performance of John Patrick's traditional, American comedy, "The Curious Savage."

"It's a very funny play," Somers said. "There's certainly a message there, but it's very funny."

She said she's letting the cast be "outrageous with it."

The play takes place in a home filled with residents who each have their own comical quirks. Set in the late 1940s, early 1950s, the play puts the well-to-do and completely-incharge-of-her-senses Mrs. Savage, played by freshman Colleen Abbott, in this special home, The Cloisters. She was placed there by her stepchildren - a senator, a judge and a socialite - Titus, Samuel and Lilly Bell, because they are certain she will give away the inheritance they believe is rightfully theirs. The stepchildren are played by Trevor Elledge, Lance Holte and Mallory Johnson.

"It's about a woman who has lots of money and is placed in this fancy place, The Cloisters, with these crazy folks," Somers explains. "There she tries to outwit her stepchildren who want her money."

The Cloisters is filled with a hilarious cast of characters led by the Fairy, played by Stephanie Sappenfield. She is joined by Hannibal, portrayed by Sam Eide, Jeff, played by Marc Johnson, Florence, played by Emily Smith and the skittish Mr. Paddy, portrayed by Olin Gulsvig. Jennifer Frank as Miss Willie and Sky Walker as Dr. Emmett complete the cast as The Cloisters' staff.

Somers said this is the last opportunity for community members to see EHS seniors in a full-length drama, and "they're pretty good."

The cast is supported by lighting technician Jessica Beckwith, costume mistress Tanya Cline, stage manager Capricia Graves and prop helper Ernie Farmer.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. March 18, 19 and 20 in the EHS auditorium. Tickets are $6 for adults and students without ASB cards, $5 for students with ASB and senior citizens.

Brenda Sexton can be reached at bsexton@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/courierherald