Conroe’s Players Launch Historic ASL Production

**Conroe’s Players Theatre Breaks Barriers with Groundbreaking ASL-Integrated Production of “The Curious Savage”**

**CONROE, TX – May 31, 2024** – Conroe’s historic Owen Theatre lit up Friday night not just with stage lights, but with a new benchmark for accessible performing arts, as The Players Theatre Company officially launched its newest production, John Patrick’s beloved comedy-drama, “The Curious Savage.” This unique staging is making waves throughout the local arts scene for its groundbreaking commitment to inclusivity, marking the first time the company has fully integrated American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf actors into a mainstage production.

Director Kimberly Purvis, who co-directs with Malcolm Purvis, spearheaded this visionary initiative. Purvis, with a background in working with the Deaf community, was inspired after witnessing a similar ASL integration at Lone Star College-Montgomery. “It was a revelation to see how naturally ASL could be woven into the fabric of a play, not just as an interpretation, but as an integral part of the storytelling,” Purvis explained. “I immediately realized this was an incredible opportunity to make theatre more accessible and engaging for both hearing and Deaf audiences and performers right here in Conroe.”

Laura McMillan, board president for The Players, enthusiastically supported the venture, seeing it as a natural and vital extension of the company’s mission to serve the wider community. “For over five decades, The Players has strived to bring diverse stories to our stage,” McMillan stated. “This production takes that commitment to a new level, opening our doors wider and truly proving that theatre is for everyone.”

This isn’t merely about having an interpreter on the side of the stage. Deaf actors are performing key character roles, delivering lines solely in ASL at times, while other scenes feature a seamless blend of ASL and spoken English. For instance, Kathleen Kennedy and Bob Bruun, both Deaf actors, portray the pivotal characters of Faery and Hahn, respectively. Their performances are not only powerful but serve as a testament to the integrated approach.

“Being able to portray a character fully in my language, ASL, within a mainstage production is incredibly empowering,” said Kennedy through an interpreter. “It’s a step forward for Deaf artists and for audiences to experience theatre in a truly new way.” Bruun added, “The collaborative environment with the hearing cast learning ASL has been truly special. It shows a genuine commitment to understanding and communication.”

Indeed, many hearing cast members diligently learned ASL for their roles, fostering a truly collaborative and immersive environment during rehearsals. “It was challenging but incredibly rewarding,” shared one hearing actor. “It deepened my understanding of communication and made our ensemble incredibly close-knit. We learned so much from each other.”

“The Curious Savage” centers on Mrs. Ethel P. Savage, a wealthy widow whose stepchildren commit her to a sanatorium, hoping to get their hands on her inheritance. What unfolds is a touching and humorous exploration of sanity, kindness, and what truly constitutes a family, especially among the quirky and endearing residents of The Cloisters. The play’s themes of acceptance, valuing difference, and finding connection resonate even more profoundly with this inclusive staging.

Performances of “The Curious Savage” are scheduled at The Owen Theatre, located at 225 Metcalf St. in downtown Conroe. The unique run continues with evening shows on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8 at 8 p.m., and a Sunday matinee on June 9 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are priced at $24 and are available for purchase online at OwenTheatre.com or by calling the box office directly at 936-539-4090. This production not only showcases the enduring talent within Conroe’s oldest community theatre but also sets a new benchmark for accessible performing arts in the region, proving that truly great storytelling transcends all language barriers and embraces every voice.