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Image by Rachel Larsen, DramaDons' resident artist
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The Acalanes DramaDons will open their entertaining and comedic production, "The Curious Savage," directed by Acalanes drama teacher Ed Meehan Nov. 10. "The Drama Dons have been hard at work for the last six weeks preparing," said Meehan. "We began September 15th with auditions and call-backs. Fifty students auditioned for 11 roles. Once the play was cast we dove into a full table read of the play." The actors discussed the play's themes and what they wanted to say with the piece, and then began working on their characters.
The plot has delightful twists involving a widow who inherited millions of dollars from her husband and wants to use the money to help others realize their hopes and dreams. Her grown-up stepchildren want the money for themselves and commit the widow to a "sanatorium" hoping to "bring her to her senses." Instead, the widow leads the self-serving stepchildren on a hilarious chase for the inheritance, while befriending the charming "guests" of the sanatorium.
"While the acting crew was preparing, the Acalanes Stagecraft class was hard at work designing and creating sets, costumes, props, lights, and sound for the production," said Meehan. "The stagecraft students built and painted sets; designed, built and procured costumes. They hung focus lights; chose music and sound effects (both practical and recorded). It is a lot of work to create the whole world of the play."
The story playfully highlights how, in a world that seems motivated by greed and dishonesty, the virtues of kindness and affection can prevail.
"We are very excited for this production," said Meehan. "It is funny, sweet, and has a lot of heart!"
The production runs Nov. 10, 12, 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. in the Acalanes High School Little Theatre. Tickets are available in November during lunch at AHS and online from the web store: adults $12; students and seniors $7. There are limited ticket sales at the door. Doors open at 6.30 p.m. For more information, visit http://ahsperformingarts.org.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA