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Center Stage presents ‘The Curious Savage’

SWARTZ CREEK — The Swartz Creek Center Stage presents its upcoming dinner theater production, “The Curious Savage,” April 2-3 in the Mary Crapo Auditorium, 8197 Miller Rd.

Performed as a dinner theater, “The Curious Savage” is written by John Patrick and is a comedic play about Ethel P. Savage, a woman whose husband recently died and left her approximately $10 million. According to the play synopsis, Ethel wants to make the best of the money, “in spite of the efforts of her grown-up stepchildren to get their hands on it.” The action unfolds as the stepchildren commit her to a “sanatorium” in hopes of “bringing her to her sense.” Despite their efforts, Ethel is determined to use the money to establish a fund to help others realize their hopes and dreams. While in the sanatorium, she encounters various social misfits and through meeting them, finds happiness.

In his foreword to the play, Patrick states: “It is important in ‘The Curious Savage’ that the gentle inmates of The Cloisters be played with warmth and dignity. Their home is not an asylum nor are these good people lunatics. Any exaggeration of the roles will rob them of charm and humor. The whole point of the play is to contrast them with Mrs. Savage’s children and the insane outside world. To depart from this point of view for the sake of easy laughs will rob the play of its meaning.”

The cast list is Linden resident Charlene Srnek as Florence; Swartz Creek resident Jim Nelson as Hannibal; Swartz Creek resident Mariah Paris as Fairy May; Gaines resident Miguel Garcia as Jeffrey; Swartz Creek resident Jeanne Beville as Mrs. Paddy; Swartz Creek resident Martha Haraf as Miss Willie; Swartz Creek resident Alberta Dillard as Dr. Emmett; Swartz Creek resident Barb Aurino as Ethel Savage; Swartz Creek resident Patty Paris as Tessa (The Senator); Swartz Creek resident Kathy Russell as Sarah (The Judge); Swartz Creek resident Heide Loney as Lily Belle (The Socialite); and Gaines resident Nick Kelly as John Thomas.

The play is directed by Katie Thompson. Kaylie Briggs is the assistant director; Sarah Terry is in charge of lights and Jim Thompson is the host. Center Stage would like to express its thanks to Lynn Cavett and the Community Education staff, the Swartz Creek Karate Club, Gill-Roy’s Hardware, Jim Thompson, Logan LaClair, Dave Thompson and Dan Thompson.

“The Curious Savage” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. of New York.

Tickets are $16. The dinner on April 2 is at 6:15 p.m. with the curtain rising at 7 p.m. On April 3, the dinner is 3:15 p.m. with the curtain rising at 4 p.m. For more information, including ticket sales, call 810-591-4388. — N.B.

PAWS needs VG’s receipts

SWARTZ CREEK — PAWS Animal Rescue collects VG’s receipts, and asks the community to send in their receipts to help the organization. Receipts can be sent to: PAWS Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 87, Swartz Creek, MI 48473. — N.B.

Audition for GBAC event scheduled April 3

GRAND BLANC — Solo auditions for the Grand Blanc Arts Council’s annual November “Grand Blanc Community Sing” will take place on April 3.

Auditions times will held on a first come first ser ve basis from 3-5:45 p.m. at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church of Grand Blanc, 9020 S. Saginaw Rd. All those auditioning are expected to bring their own copy of “Messiah” and an accompanist will be provided.

Details: E-mail chori13@aol.com. — A.B.

Volunteer drivers needed for Genesee-Lapeer ARC

GENESEE COUNTY — The American Red Cross Genesee-Lapeer Chapter Med-A-Ride Program needs volunteer drivers. The Genesee-Lapeer Chapter works with Lapeer County residents who need help with transportation to out of town medical appointments. The Chapter has a van that has been equipped with handicapped equipment, such as a chair lift, etc., in order to help these individuals. Volunteer drivers are needed one day a week. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Janet Hamm at 810-232-1401, ext. 304. — G.G.

Help someone read

GENESEE COUNTY — Genesee County Literacy Coalition has a lineup of tutors waiting to assist adults who need help to read for free. We have the Flint Public Library and ALL Genesee County District Libraries sites as places for students and tutors to meet. If you know anyone that could use help to read or help with English as a second language, please call us!

For more information, volunteer opportunities or adults needing free help to read, please call 810-239-9425. — G.G.

Thomas the Tank Engine coming to Burton

BURTON — Thomas the Tank Engine, along with friends Percy and Diesel arrive in Burton in a live touring stage show – Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage in “Thomas Saves the Day.” The 90-minute musical stage show opens 3 p.m. March 22 at Perani Arena & Event Center. A second performance will take place on March 22 at 7 p.m. Tickets begin at $16, service charges extra, and are available at www.peraniarena.com, Ticketmaster or by calling the box office at 810-744-0580. — A.D.


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