PowPAC's current production, under the direction of Bob Christensen, is Mary Chase's Harvey. In 1950, Jimmy Stewart defined the character of Elwood P. Dowd in the film version of the play. The play hit television in 1972 and again in 1998. It is also a perennial favorite in community theaters.
For the few that have not seen Harvey: it seems that Elwood P. Dowd (Mark Zweifach) has a companion that he takes everywhere -- a six-foot-six rabbit named Harvey. Elwood is, also, the sole heir to the estate he lives at with his sister, Veta Louise Simmons (Jane Harris), and niece, Myrtle Mae Simmons (Molly Lowell). Veta feels Elwood should be institutionalized. Of course, this would also give her control of the estate. Thus, the plot thickens and the story begins.
Jane Harris is a pure delight. She plays a social climber, a dominating mother, a somewhat vindictive sister, and also a loving sister who has strange visions. In one scene she returns from Chumley's Rest, a home for the mentally ill, where she has been mistakenly held as a patient. The always properly coiffured, elegantly dressed Veta is a mess physically and psychologically. Harris carries her changing role delightfully.
Mark Zweifach is the eccentric Elwood. He gives his character nice twists -- simple asides, glances, and acknowledgments of Harvey. He is ever the gentleman to one and all but doesn't let anybody hinder Harvey.
The staff of Chumley's Rest are in their own world. Dr. William R. Chumley (Tom Delaney) is extremely impressed with himself. Dr. Lyman Sanderson (Christopher Duran), mere days out of med school, knows his every diagnoses is perfect. Ruth Kelly (Brandon Kaye Thomas) seems always overwhelmed by her superiors and glassy-eyed in love with the new young doctor. Finally, there is the pushy Gestapo-like attendant, Duane Wilson (Dave Rivas), a transplant from the rough streets of New York. What evil is wrought at Chumley's Rest is the stuff of Harvey.
Molly Lowell plays Veta's daughter, Myrtle, under the absolute control of mother. Yet, given the chance to explore the rest of the world, she finds the despicable Duane to be a perfect mate. Doug Frank, as family friend Judge Omar Gaffney, gives his role just the right amount of pomposity. Lucinda Moaney is E. J. Lofgren, a cabby that was no doubt trained on the streets of New York. We see her only briefly, but we aren't going to forget her. Mary Lou Reyen plays a socialite, Mrs. Ethel Chauvenet, and Caro Louise Aristei plays Dr. Chumley's wife, Betty.
Sabato Fiorello does quadruple duty as set designer, scenic designer, scenic artist and, with Sherrie Colbourn, set dresser. The stage contains both the Dowd library and the lobby of Chumley's Rest. With one swinging wall and one sliding wall, the transformation is complete. Kat Perhach's lighting works very well for the two locations. Arlene Darden's costumes fit the mid-forties period perfectly.
Harvey has aged well over the last 50 years and makes for an enjoyable evening of reminiscing.
