The Curious Savage
at San Clemente High School

Reviewed on November 17, 2016

Tyler Ashman
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

San Clemente's "Curious Savage" is a quirky delight
written by Tyler Ashman, a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

What happens when you take a manic violinist, a mother of an invisible child, a self-conscious liar, and a traumatized fighter pilot and drop them in the middle of a family feud worth tens of millions of dollars? Naturally, you scream, fight, and—most importantly—set bank bonds on fire in the bathtub. Thus comprises the bulk of San Clemente High School's production of "The Curious Savage," the story of six psychiatric patients living in a 1950s sanatorium. As each begins to delve deeper into the drama, they turn traditional ideas of sanity on their heads with laughter and love.

Leading the cast is Delaney Marchant as the confident Mrs. Savage. Marchant effectively sets herself apart from the rest of the cast as she pulls her shoulders back and speaks in sharp tones. Her strong nature escalates into high-strung energy, however, as she clasps her hands in alarm as her step children (Zach Thomas, Natalie Zanzonico, and Collin Cadili) attempt to steal her fortune.

Ryley Steel further entertains as Hannibal, another scatterbrained patient. Steel constantly rubs his hands together and chuckles softly to himself as he bounds around the stage, playing discordant tunes on his violin. Only Annie Reyland as Fairy matches his tremendous energy, as her sweet, girlish tone escalates into a screaming panic by the end.

Though these prominent characters provide effective performances, it is Tamara Armstrong as the elderly Mrs. Paddy who steals the show. Armstrong silently hunches her shoulders and glares at the other patients as she paints a single line on a blank canvas. However, her angry character turns to kindness as she softens her tone and hugs Marchant.

One of the most impressive facets of this production is the fact that it is student directed. Cassidy McCleary creates a beautiful balance between absurdity and sentimentality by facilitating well-spaced scenes and effective moments between the patients and the family.

Equally as impressive as the performance aspects of the show are the student designed technical elements. The costumes, designed by Maya Howie and Maddie McColly, capture the spirit of the era with bright colors unique to each character. Blue floral dresses, patchwork sweaters, and crisp vests highlight the differences between the patients while perfectly capturing their individual eccentricity.

With hilarious performances, excellent directing, and effective tech, San Clemente's "Curious Savage" doesn't fail to entertain from start to finish.

Tyler Ashman
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

San Clemente's "Curious Savage" is a quirky delight
written by Tyler Ashman, a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

What happens when you take a manic violinist, a mother of an invisible child, a self-conscious liar, and a traumatized fighter pilot and drop them in the middle of a family feud worth tens of millions of dollars? Naturally, you scream, fight, and—most importantly—set bank bonds on fire in the bathtub. Thus comprises the bulk of San Clemente High School's production of "The Curious Savage," the story of six psychiatric patients living in a 1950s sanatorium. As each begins to delve deeper into the drama, they turn traditional ideas of sanity on their heads with laughter and love.

Leading the cast is Delaney Marchant as the confident Mrs. Savage. Marchant effectively sets herself apart from the rest of the cast as she pulls her shoulders back and speaks in sharp tones. Her strong nature escalates into high-strung energy, however, as she clasps her hands in alarm as her step children (Zach Thomas, Natalie Zanzonico, and Collin Cadili) attempt to steal her fortune.

Ryley Steel further entertains as Hannibal, another scatterbrained patient. Steel constantly rubs his hands together and chuckles softly to himself as he bounds around the stage, playing discordant tunes on his violin. Only Annie Reyland as Fairy matches his tremendous energy, as her sweet, girlish tone escalates into a screaming panic by the end.

Though these prominent characters provide effective performances, it is Tamara Armstrong as the elderly Mrs. Paddy who steals the show. Armstrong silently hunches her shoulders and glares at the other patients as she paints a single line on a blank canvas. However, her angry character turns to kindness as she softens her tone and hugs Marchant.

One of the most impressive facets of this production is the fact that it is student directed. Cassidy McCleary creates a beautiful balance between absurdity and sentimentality by facilitating well-spaced scenes and effective moments between the patients and the family.

Equally as impressive as the performance aspects of the show are the student designed technical elements. The costumes, designed by Maya Howie and Maddie McColly, capture the spirit of the era with bright colors unique to each character. Blue floral dresses, patchwork sweaters, and crisp vests highlight the differences between the patients while perfectly capturing their individual eccentricity.

With hilarious performances, excellent directing, and effective tech, San Clemente's "Curious Savage" doesn't fail to entertain from start to finish.

Elena Plumb
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

San Clemente High School's The Curious Savage is wonderfully meaningful and entertaining
written by Elena Plumb, a sophmore at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

Inside the blue-striped walls of a 1950's sanatorium, The Curious Savage follows an eclectic group of mental patients as they go about their ordinary lives. Daily routines alter as a new patient arrives at the institution with the grief of her husband's death, and millions of dollars in inheritances that she must keep from the hands of her greedy children. With a refreshing balance of comedic and sentimental moments, San Clemente High School explores the topic of mental illness and examines what it really means to be "normal" in a respectful, thought-provoking, and heart-warming manner.

Delaney Marchant stuns as Mrs. Savage. Owning the stage with her presumptuous attitude and sassy saunter, she highlights her character's sophisticated aura. Though Marchant portrays a high-class woman, she brings a caring nature to the character that shines through as she bonds with fellow patients.

"The Cloisters," or the other patients in the sanatorium, bring their own, unique energy to the stage while subtly communicating the struggles of mental illness. Annie Reyland (Fairy) skips around the stage with childlike enthusiasm, yet her sheer frustration amidst periodic outbursts underline her character's instability. Kyra Kuhn (Florence) nicely contrasts Reyland's dynamic portrayal with her calm and composed manner.

Ryley Steel (Hannibal) heightens the performance's comedy with his scatter-brained mannerisms and earnest expressions of pride as he plays the violin discordantly. Lucas Harper (Jeffrey), epitomizes an awkward, shy intellectual, and his innocent nature juxtaposes Steel's lively presence.

Technical elements designed by students elevate the overall production. The charming set design by Maia Gibson and Lainey Reyland puts the 1950's time period into context with pastel stripes on walls and a brightly colored couch.

Costuming by Maya Howie reflects each character's unique charm. Mrs. Savage's shiny blue wig and elegant fur shawl emphasize her spunky yet high-status personality. Fairy's patchy, vibrant dress captures her crafty, childlike spirit, while Jeffrey's plaid sweater-vest and bow tie highlight his professional manner and intellect.

Student Director Cassidy McCleary successfully manages character portrayals, making sure they are subtle enough to avoid offensive representation of mental illness, yet still be thought-provoking and uplifting. McCleary also incorporates dynamic comedic blocking, with characters piling on top of each other in the doorway while eavesdropping on conversations.

Powerful, funny, and tear-jerking, San Clemente High School's performance sheds light on an often taboo topic without failing to entertain.

Elena Plumb
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

San Clemente High School's The Curious Savage is wonderfully meaningful and entertaining
written by Elena Plumb, a sophmore at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

Inside the blue-striped walls of a 1950's sanatorium, The Curious Savage follows an eclectic group of mental patients as they go about their ordinary lives. Daily routines alter as a new patient arrives at the institution with the grief of her husband's death, and millions of dollars in inheritances that she must keep from the hands of her greedy children. With a refreshing balance of comedic and sentimental moments, San Clemente High School explores the topic of mental illness and examines what it really means to be "normal" in a respectful, thought-provoking, and heart-warming manner.

Delaney Marchant stuns as Mrs. Savage. Owning the stage with her presumptuous attitude and sassy saunter, she highlights her character's sophisticated aura. Though Marchant portrays a high-class woman, she brings a caring nature to the character that shines through as she bonds with fellow patients.

"The Cloisters," or the other patients in the sanatorium, bring their own, unique energy to the stage while subtly communicating the struggles of mental illness. Annie Reyland (Fairy) skips around the stage with childlike enthusiasm, yet her sheer frustration amidst periodic outbursts underline her character's instability. Kyra Kuhn (Florence) nicely contrasts Reyland's dynamic portrayal with her calm and composed manner.

Ryley Steel (Hannibal) heightens the performance's comedy with his scatter-brained mannerisms and earnest expressions of pride as he plays the violin discordantly. Lucas Harper (Jeffrey), epitomizes an awkward, shy intellectual, and his innocent nature juxtaposes Steel's lively presence.

Technical elements designed by students elevate the overall production. The charming set design by Maia Gibson and Lainey Reyland puts the 1950's time period into context with pastel stripes on walls and a brightly colored couch.

Costuming by Maya Howie reflects each character's unique charm. Mrs. Savage's shiny blue wig and elegant fur shawl emphasize her spunky yet high-status personality. Fairy's patchy, vibrant dress captures her crafty, childlike spirit, while Jeffrey's plaid sweater-vest and bow tie highlight his professional manner and intellect.

Student Director Cassidy McCleary successfully manages character portrayals, making sure they are subtle enough to avoid offensive representation of mental illness, yet still be thought-provoking and uplifting. McCleary also incorporates dynamic comedic blocking, with characters piling on top of each other in the doorway while eavesdropping on conversations.

Powerful, funny, and tear-jerking, San Clemente High School's performance sheds light on an often taboo topic without failing to entertain.

Jennifer Hardy
Capistrano Valley High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

San Clemente's "The Curious Savage" is a hidden gem
written by Jennifer Hardy, a senior at Capistrano Valley High School

San Clemente High School's delightful production of "The Curious Savage" is heartwarming, hilarious, and honest in showcasing what antics occur when greed, luxury, scheming families and unlikely friendships cross paths with each other.

As the leading lady, Delaney Marchant shines as the charming Mrs. Savage, whose stepchildren admit her into a sanatorium for hiding a large sum of inheritance from them following her husband's passing. Marchant's performance as the witty widow is nothing short of stunning as she transitions from a mischievous stepmother to an inspiring, kindhearted friend by the end of the play. With incredibly witty one-liners and tender moments shared with the cast, Marchant's performance is truly three-dimensional.

Immediately upon her arrival to the sanatorium, Mrs. Savage is introduced to the lovely group of her fellow patients, known as the Cloisters. Among them is the young Fairy May, played by Annie Reyland, and Hannibal, played by Ryley Steel. Reyland and Steel steal the show with their impeccable portrayals of the young pair. The two perform with consistently hilarious inflection and huge, exaggerated mannerisms that are equally endearing and unique, but subtly creating cute, innocent flirtatious moments between them. As an ensemble, the Cloisters are tremendously heartfelt and sincere, and Mrs. Savage gradually realizes that they are her home away from home.

The overall show is filled to the brim with incredibly successful creativity from student director Cassidy McCleary. Focusing primarily on developing the subtlety of the play, McCleary's efforts pay off as seen not only in the brilliant performance by the cast, but in the technical executions as well. Props, led by Kelsey Morales, are very detailed. Mrs. Savage's faithful bear companion is giant and easily designed to have its head pop off with ease. Each newspaper is impressively custom-made for the context of the scenes, printed with the photos of Mrs. Savage's stepchildren so she can laugh giddily at the pitiful situations that end them up on the front page. Makeup, led by Julia Becker, is convincing and skillful, making Mrs. Savage's wrinkles look fantastically realistic.

San Clemente High School's production of "The Curious Savage" is not only stuffed with great comedy, but touching themes as well, showing that bonds among friends and family are incredibly important.

Jennifer Hardy
Capistrano Valley High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

San Clemente's "The Curious Savage" is a hidden gem
written by Jennifer Hardy, a senior at Capistrano Valley High School

San Clemente High School's delightful production of "The Curious Savage" is heartwarming, hilarious, and honest in showcasing what antics occur when greed, luxury, scheming families and unlikely friendships cross paths with each other.

As the leading lady, Delaney Marchant shines as the charming Mrs. Savage, whose stepchildren admit her into a sanatorium for hiding a large sum of inheritance from them following her husband's passing. Marchant's performance as the witty widow is nothing short of stunning as she transitions from a mischievous stepmother to an inspiring, kindhearted friend by the end of the play. With incredibly witty one-liners and tender moments shared with the cast, Marchant's performance is truly three-dimensional.

Immediately upon her arrival to the sanatorium, Mrs. Savage is introduced to the lovely group of her fellow patients, known as the Cloisters. Among them is the young Fairy May, played by Annie Reyland, and Hannibal, played by Ryley Steel. Reyland and Steel steal the show with their impeccable portrayals of the young pair. The two perform with consistently hilarious inflection and huge, exaggerated mannerisms that are equally endearing and unique, but subtly creating cute, innocent flirtatious moments between them. As an ensemble, the Cloisters are tremendously heartfelt and sincere, and Mrs. Savage gradually realizes that they are her home away from home.

The overall show is filled to the brim with incredibly successful creativity from student director Cassidy McCleary. Focusing primarily on developing the subtlety of the play, McCleary's efforts pay off as seen not only in the brilliant performance by the cast, but in the technical executions as well. Props, led by Kelsey Morales, are very detailed. Mrs. Savage's faithful bear companion is giant and easily designed to have its head pop off with ease. Each newspaper is impressively custom-made for the context of the scenes, printed with the photos of Mrs. Savage's stepchildren so she can laugh giddily at the pitiful situations that end them up on the front page. Makeup, led by Julia Becker, is convincing and skillful, making Mrs. Savage's wrinkles look fantastically realistic.

San Clemente High School's production of "The Curious Savage" is not only stuffed with great comedy, but touching themes as well, showing that bonds among friends and family are incredibly important.