A ‘Savage Dilemma’ for LePetit

Jeanne Scott knows Mrs. Ethel P. Savage, the central character in LePetit Theatre de Terrebonne’s latest production, “The Savage Dilemma,” set to open Feb. 10.

It’s not just because she’s played Savage twice before – in playwright John Patrick’s “The Curious Savage” in the 1980s and in 2007, both at Houma’s LePetit.

“There are a lot of similarities,” Linda Schexnayder, who co-produces the show with Susan Foret, said of her star. “Jeanne’s pretty head strong. She’s very, very kind and has a good heart like Mrs. Savage.”

“She has the same softness, willingness to put others first and problem-solving approach,” director Stephanie Kenney-Gomez agreed. “There’s no question Jeanne has a solid hold on this character.

“I guess there’s a little bit of any character in everybody,” she added. “That’s what makes it fun.”

While there’s plenty familiar, Kenney-Gomez said the presence of new characters – and newcomers to LePetit’s stage – bring a new flare to the story.

Patrick’s first Savage adventure – “The Curious Savage” – finds Mrs. Ethel, recently widowed, being admitted to a sanatorium, The Cloisters, by her three greedy stepchildren, frustrated that she’s withholding the approximately $10 million willed to her by their father. The money, Mrs. Savage reveals, will be spent to fund the dreams of average Joes – much to the disdain of her stepchildren.

During her stay, the “inmates” at the sanatorium – a gentle, well-meaning bunch in stark contrast to Mrs. Savage’s unpleasant brood – join in a bit of keep-away, ultimately helping the widow retain her stashed cash.

In “The Savage Delimma,” playwright Patrick reunites Mrs. Ethel Savage with her buddies at The Cloisters. Fresh from her world travels, Mrs. Ethel is exhausted and depressed that her husband’s offspring has control of her inheritance. She seeks refuge at the familiar sanatorium.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Savage’s timing couldn’t be worse. Economic woes have The Cloisters on the verge of closing. When a couple of grungy robbers arrive, Ethel concocts a kidnap caper that would see any ransom payments going to keeping her favorite safe haven open. With a number of unexpected twists and turns, the audience is reminded why “we all come back for the Savages,” Schexnayder said.

And Scott’s isn’t the only reprised role in LePetit’s latest installment. Also returning are fellow patients Kami-Rae Ellender as Fairy May, Patti Foret Loupe as Florence and Mike Brossette as Hannibal.

“There’s a familiarity with the characters and each other,” director Kenney-Gomez said. “Onstage and in real life, these folks are like family.”

Rounding out the cast are Ani Ashley and Scott Courville (the grungy couple), Donna Benda (Mrs. Paddy), Michael Sevante (Dr. Emmett), Stephanie Toups (Christine), Dwayne Adams (police officer), and Raymond Godail and Tyler Bonner (John Thomas).

“It’s a funny, touching story,” Schexnayder said. “The characters are all just so lovable, and the story is one we can all relate to. I mean, wouldn’t we all just like to find a safe place to get off the world every now and then and recuperate.”

Patrick’s script handles the sanatorium patients with respect and wit. “That’s what makes this play so heartfelt,” she added. “All of these characters don’t really see themselves as we see them. They’re in their own little world; they’re own comfort spot.”

“The Savage Dilemma” runs from Feb. 10 through Feb. 20. There is no performance on Feb. 14. Curtain is promptly at 7:30 p.m. and, on Sunday, at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $12. Call (985) 876-4268 or visit www.houmalittletheatre.com for more information.

LePetit is located at 7829 Main St. in Houma.