Blood may be thicker than water, but is it thicker than money? That’s the question that pervades “The Curious Savage,” being presented Dec. 2-11 by the King’s West Performance Company in Bremerton.

Family matriarch Ethel Savage is committed to a sanitarium by her children after she dedicates her recently deceased husband’s $10 million to a memorial fund in his name.

It’s a noble gesture, but one that leaves the greedy children feeling displeased and cheated.

They lodge Mom in The Cloisters while they plot how to get their hands on the family fortune.

The comedy was written by playwright John Patrick, who also penned the heart-warming comedy dramas, “The Teahouse of the August Moon,” and “The Hasty Heart.”

Set in the 1950s, “The Curious Savage” is a study in eccentricities, and examines family values and the bonds of love.

Gwen Mansfield directs and stars as Ethel Savage. Several of the roles are double cast, giving more young actors a chance on stage during its eight-performance run.

Ethel Savage’s children are Samuel, played by Patrick Kim and Dustin Henry, Lily Belle, played by Erin Mahoney, and Titus, played by Zach Olson. Adding to the quirkiness of the play are the characters that Ethel Savage encounters in The Cloisters. They are emotionally frail, but there’s still a lot going on upstairs.

Bridger Hamilton plays the sanitarium physician, Dr. Emmett, while Paige Mitchell and Dionne Manos play Mrs. Paddy, Nathan Hickner plays resident Jeff and Elisbet Moseng and Amanda Davidson play resident Fary May.

Jonathan Crabtree plays resident Hannibal, Allison Engelke is resident Florence and Dustin Henry and Nathan Hickner share the role of resident Jeff.

The nurse Miss Willie is played by Melissa Pattee and Tracy Hemry.

Ethel Savage tries to teach her children a lesson on caring for people more than for material possessions, but with a fortune within their greedy grasp, will they listen?

Maxwell is head of King’s West School’s English and Fine Arts programs, and holds a masters in theater arts.

She said the mission of the drama department is to include things pertaining to family, faith and concern for the world, and to stage plays that will allow for large casts.

“The Curious Savage” fit those criteria, and was a hit with the students during a read through in the spring.

“They all loved it,” she said. “It’s very funny and there are so many idiosyncracies in the characters.”

It also contains great themes, such as respect for family, diversity and respecting people’s quirks, she added.

The ensemble piece also gives the actors, who range in age from 15-18, a chance to play their character on stage.

Maxfield said King’s West always puts on professional-quality shows that draw audiences from all over the community.

“We approach it like a professional company,” she said. “Those are the standards we use.”

Maxfield said the play is suggested for audiences in grade 5 through adult. Because of the small size of the theater people are asked to not bring infants or small children.

“The Curious Savage” opens Dec. 2 at the King’s West Theatre Space, 4012 Chico Way, Bremerton. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 3, and 9, 10 with 2 and 6 p.m. shows Dec. 4 and 11.

Tickets are $8 adults, $6 seniors and students, no more than $22 for immediate families of the actors and groups of 10 or more $5 each, available by calling (360) 377-7700. wu