It takes an island. Twleve actors, 12 crew members, a director and several volunteers, all contributed to the production now playing at the Grange, Feb. 25 through 27 at 7:30 p.m.

And the wonderful thing is: it is a masterpiece of ensemble work. Everyone is essential and excellent. Leslie Liddle cast her comic spell as Ethel Savage, while John Mazzarella, Maura O’Neill and Ron Herman made truly convincing villains. Regina Zwilling was outstanding as Nurse Willie and Tony Lee charmed as Dr. Emmett. Luann Pamatian, Tom Gossett, Katie Zwilling, Zach Knight and Lin McNulty were inmates, both crazy and touching at the same time. The youngest member of the cast, Quin Wildman-Gossett made his first appearance on the stage in the surprise finale.

I saw many people laughing, and by the end a few had tears in their eyes. Don’t miss “The Curious Savage.”

Tickets are $10 at Darvill’s, and if you are willing to take a chance, they are at the door.

Rick Steinhardt

Orcas Island