CHS fall play asks tough questions, moves audiences

RIO RANCHO — The curtain went up on the Cleveland High School Fall Play this past weekend, and the CHS theatre troupe’s production of “The Curious Savage” opened to a thrilled audience.

"This was a beautiful play that made our audience question what it means when society labels someone as ‘mentally ill’ and where their humanity really lies,” said director and CHS Drama Department Director Kir Kipness.

“The Curious Savage” tells the story of Ethel P. Savage, a recent widow and heiress to a large fortune. A kind soul, Ethel plans to use her newfound wealth to help others. But her plans are thwarted by her three spoiled stepchildren who will do anything to get their hands on that money.

To keep it from them, Ethel hides the fortune away. The stepchildren respond by having her committed to the Cloisters Sisters Sanatorium. The plan backfires horribly, however, and the stepchildren soon have a light shone on their own mental health.

The students worked for weeks on the production but enjoyed the experience and the characters.

“I love getting to drive everyone crazy with my violin playing,” said Katelyn Opie (Mrs. Savage, Cast A).

"My favorite part about being Doctor Emmett is how fun this entire show is. It's such a whirlwind of excitement, and I'm so happy that I'm in this production my senior year,” said Ashley Sutton (Dr. Emmett, Cast A).

The passion they poured into their roles showed, and Kipness said the audience responded.

“Our actors poured their souls into this production,” said Kipness. “They gave an honest portrayal of their characters and had almost the whole audience in tears at the end.”

The 2 1/2 hour comedic production (with a 10-minute intermission) was first produced in 1950 in New York City and starred silent film star Lillian Gish as Ethel P. Savage.

“This show is one of my favorite plays, and I am so very proud of the amazing production my students put on,” said Kipness.

As a nice note, the CHS program finishes by saying: “And love to our sister school Rio Rancho High and bravo to their production of ‘Emma.’”

Upcoming Events:

Advanced Drama’s One-Act Play Competition Performance: “We Are the Sea”

3:30 p.m. Nov. 13

Spring musical: “PIPPIN”

Dates: Mar. 6-8 and 13-15

Auditions: Dec. 16-19

"THE CURIOUS SAVAGE”

Original play by: John Patrick

Crew

Stage Manager + Light Board Operator: Paige St. Clair

Assistant Stage Manager: Alexandra Clark-Moran

Light Programmers: Athena Walker + Felix Jeantete

Sound: Sani Doolittle

Sets: Mr. A and his Theater Tech classes

Backstage Manager: Sunny Edkin

Director: Kir Kipness

Front of House Manager: Sunese Cotton

Cast A*

*Oct. 30th & Nov. 2 (matinee)

Mrs. Savage: Katelyn Opie

Titus Savage: Marshall Lovelady

Lily Belle: Alia Burger

Samuel Savage: Danielle Opie

Jeffrey: William Gagne

Florence: Makayla Arias

Hannibal: Ian Shackelford

Mrs. Paddy: Amanda Bailey

Fairy May: Arrow Shivers

Dr. Emmett: Valentine (Ashley) Sutton

Miss Willie: Cassandra Kennedy

John Thomas: Sebastian Nieves

Cast B*

*Nov. 1 & Nov. 2 (evening)

Mrs. Savage: Kiera Miller

Titus Savage: Xavier Olivo

Lily Belle: Kokomi Williams

Samuel Savage: Arianna Ballantine

Jeffrey: Michael Montano

Florence: Faith Young

Hannibal: Mace Phillips

Mrs. Paddy: Augustyna Ravalli

Fairy May: Amaya Abate

Dr. Emmett: McKenzie Martin

Miss Willie: Sophia Laner-Dent

John Thomas: Sebastian Nieves