Seeing is believing….especially if you are on the lookout for a six-and-a-half-foot-tall, invisible white rabbit named Harvey!
Casting is complete and rehearsals are well underway as the Maysville Players prepare for the upcoming production of “Harvey.”
Directed by Mike Thomas the classic comedy by Mary Chase will be presented at the Washington Opera House April 19-22 & 26-29 with performances at 7 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
“Our audiences have been asking us to produce this show for several seasons,” Thomas said. “We have assembled a talented cast, designed great set pieces, and are ready to serve up some laughter.”
Originally produced on Broadway in 1944, the plot of the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy centers around an eccentric gentleman named Elwood P. Dowd whose best friend happens to be an invisible rabbit he calls ‘Harvey.’ Considered a disgrace, Dowd’s relatives scheme a plot to have him committed to a sanitarium and put an end to future embarrassment.
“As in all good comedies,” Thomas explains, “things don’t always turn out as planned!”
Local stage favorite Eric Lohman is featured as Elwood, the iconic role played by Jimmy Stewart in the 1950 film version.
“I selected this show with Eric in mind,” Thomas said. “He has great comedic skills mixed with a sensitive, caring manner which serve the show and the character very well.”
Joining Lohman will be Leah Frederick as Veta Louise Simmons, Elizabeth Schellenberger as Myrtle Mae Simmons, Sharyn White-Coe as Madame Chauvenet, Jennifer Stricklett as Nurse Kelly, Jacob Fritz as Dr. Sanderson, David Green as Wison, Micah Evans as Dr. Chumley, Carolyn Least as Betty Chumley, Brad Sorrell as Judge Gaffney, and Steve Zweigart as E. J. Lofgren.
“This is a very talented cast with a mix of new and familiar faces on our stage,” Thomas said. “Rehearsals have been progressing nicely and I believe we will have a delightful hit on our hands!”
This is the second time the invisible rabbit appeared on the stage of the Washington Opera House. The Maysville Players first presented “Harvey” in 1967 with a cast that featured Charlie Clift as Elwood P. Dowd and June Staker as Veta Louise Simmons; supported by Bob and Beryl Parsons as Dr. Sanderson and Nurse Kelly. Genrose Turner was cast as Myrtle MaeSimmons. Junie Calvert was also featured as Dr. Chumley.
Tickets are priced $15/adults, $12/seniors 65 and over, $10/students 18 and under. All seats on both of the Thursday performances are only $10 each and may only be purchased at the box office one-hour prior to the 7 p.m. curtain time. Reservations are suggested for the other performances and can be made by calling (606) 564-3666 or purchased on-line at maysvilleplayers.net.
