Auditions announced for 'Curious Savage'

The High Street Arts Center is having auditions for its upcoming production of "The Curious Savage" by John Patrick at 7 p.m. Mon. and Tues., March 17 and 18 at the theatre, 45 E. High St., Moorpark. Paul Millet is the director.

Rehearsals begin the week of March 31. Performances are May 16 through June 15 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There is no pay.

Sides will be provided at the audition and are also available at www.highstreetartscenter.com. For more information about the play, visit the website.

This is the warm-hearted tale of Mrs. Ethel Savage, a slightly eccentric but wealthy widow. She has put her wealth into negotiable bonds in the hopes of establishing a fund to help others, much to her stepchildrens' chagrin. They commit her to a sanitarium in the hopes of shocking her and getting the money for themselves. In the sanitarium, Savage meets a variety of social misfits who eventually appear more sane that those outside the institution.

The following roles are open.

Mrs. Savage, female, 55 to 65. Shrewd, sophisticated, caring, and does not suffer fools lightly.

Fairy Mae, female, 18 to 21. An inmate with childlike attitude.

Hannibal, male, 30 to 40. An inmate who is plump, jolly and cherubic.

Florence, female, 30 to 35. An inmate with a natural maternal instinct who "mothers" a doll.

Jeff, male, 25 to 30. An inmate. Paranoid WWII veteran with emotional scars.

Mrs. Paddy, female, 45 to 55. An inmate. Has no dialogue with other characters. Speaks only in long tirades. Abrasive with a gentle heart.

Nurse Wilhelmina, female, 25 to 30. Gentle but firm caregiver at the sanitarium.

Dr. Emmett, male, 40 to 60. Levelheaded leader of the sanitarium.

Titus Savage, male, 45 to 55. One of Mrs. Savage's step children. Washington senator with questionable ethics.

Lily Belle Savage, female, 35 to 45. One of Mrs. Savage's step children. Harsh and abrasive.

Samuel Savage, male, 40 to 50. One of Mrs. Savage's step children. A quiet coward.