Bakersfield Community Theatre is kicking off 2026 with some laughs via its new production "The Curious Savage."
For director Vickie Stricklind, the characters helped draw her into the show, along with its story and period setting (early 1950s).
She wrote in an email, "Just touching the surface and giving nothing away, this play is a quirky comedy with heart and has a universal message of love, acceptance, kindness and inclusion."
Although the play by John Patrick touches on themes that straddle comedy and ominousness, Stricklind said the production team, which includes assistant director Laurie Howlett, chose to highlight the humor "to a point where the darkest undertones take a backseat to the heartwarming comedy at hand."
The story revolves around Ethel Savage (Tamara Traynor) who has been "unceremoniously dumped" at The Cloisters, a sanatorium of sorts, by her three stepchildren, Titus (Travis Hauert), Lily Belle (Angela Poncetta) and Samuel (Chris Ross).
This move is part of a plan to seize Ethel's $10 million inheritance, which was left to her by her late husband.
At The Cloisters, Ethel meets other "guests" who appreciate her for who she is, not what she has to offer, Stricklind said.
These new friends include residents Florence (Julie Gaines), Hannibal (Josh Carruthers), Fairy May (Petra Carter), Jeffrey (Bret Mcglew), Mrs. Paddy (Cori McGinty) and John Thomas (Casey Abdool) as well as the staff, Miss Wilhelmina, aka "Willie," (Mandi Root) and Dr. Emmett (Ryan Sagun).
The production also features the talents of Tish Gamez, who handled costumes, and Roger Upton, who designed the set.
This comedic romp through the halls of a patient-filled sanatorium brings the humor while also addressing a theme that Stricklind said can only be described as mental impairment.
"However, this is not a dark production about psychological disorders; rather it is filled with great warmth and true inspiration coming from the hands of the residents and staff of The Cloisters," she wrote.
The show touches on kindness vs. greed, judging by appearances, the nature of sanity and societal norms, and the search for true happiness and self-acceptance. It contrasts Mrs. Savage's "benevolent, eccentric world at The Cloisters with her materialistic stepchildren's avarice, ultimately highlighting empathy and finding family in unexpected places," Stricklind wrote.
The director said a message of kindness is one that audiences can certainly use, "especially these days, it's so important to be kind to anyone we meet. We do not know what their circumstances are and if we share kindness, it will come back to us. "
Stricklind said the show reminds her of her friend Tim Fromm, a performer and BCT board member who died in 2024.
"He always had a kind and loving word to say to everyone, and it always lifted you up. Tim always put a smile on my face as he came up and told me that I was his favorite director for that week or that I looked beautiful that day. And so I think it's important for us to do that. And here at BCT we want to carry on his legacy of kindness, acceptance and love."
Stricklind said she'd like audiences to take away the courage to be themselves and not be afraid to laugh at themselves and to laugh often.
"Share your laughter," she wrote. "Share kindness with a random gesture daily. Lift someone up with a smile as it might be the only one they get that day.
"Laughter and kindness is the best medicine. It feeds the soul and when shared it lightens the spirit. In sharing, you lift yourself up as well. It will change your life."
The show runs at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 with matinees at 2 p.m. Jan. 18 and 25 at the theater, 2400 S. Chester Ave.
Admission is $25, $20 for seniors, military and students. Visit onthestage.tickets/show/bakersfield-community-theatre for tickets.