CA Studio will be presenting Pulitzer Prize-winning play Harvey Friday, January 5th at Lea's of Lecompte. Produced in 1944, the play was written by Mary Chase in an effort to make people laugh during the difficult time of World War II.
Harvey is the tale of Elwood P. Dowd and his best friend Harvey, a six-foot tall invisible rabbit that only Elwood can see. This play was originally written during World War II to help lighten the spirits of people mourning loved ones lost in the war. The starring role Elwood was made famous by James Stewart and most recently in the Broadway revival by Jim Parsons.
Tyler Brubaker, a senior at Neville High School, stars as the middle-aged, alcoholic Elwood in the CA Studio production of Harvey. When asked the difficulty of transitioning into such a role, Brubaker states that once you get into the character's mindset, it's easy and fun to play with who that character is and could be. He describes Elwood's character as an easy-going, friendly guy who just so happens to have an imaginary rabbit for a best friend.
John Denison plays psychiatrist Dr. Chumley, who works at the sanitarium Elwood's sister tries to commit him in. Denison comments on how the imaginary presence of Harvey affects Elwood's relationship with his family, particularly his sister, who seems to be solely out for his fortune.
Director Cathy Airhart Webb first discovered the play through close friends and has loved it ever since. Webb states that a major part of the show is that the audience is never clear on which characters are and are not sane. She describes Harvey as "a funny show with serious themes."
Harvey will be opening at Lea's of Lecompte Friday, January 5th at 7 pm., and will play Jan. 6 at 7 pm., Jan. 7 at 4 pm., Jan. 13 at 7 pm., and Jan. 14 at 4 pm. Tickets are available at 318-329-8081.