Harvey

Harvey is a play written by May Cole Chase and is both hilariously funny and though provoking – seeing it win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1945. It concerns Elwood P. Dowd, an amiable, mild-mannered eccentric who lives in a large house in a small American town. Elwood’s best friend is Harvey — an invisible six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch tall Pooka resembling an anthropomorphic rabbit. Elwood introduces Harvey to everyone he meets. His social-climbing sister, Veta and daughter Myrtle Mae, whom live in the same house, increasingly find his eccentric behaviour embarrassing and hampering of their ambitions. They resolve to have him committed to a local sanatorium, which is where the fun starts.

There is a lot that can be observed and read into Harvey as it explores the theme of acceptance - accepting someone for who they are, despite their active imagination and eccentricities. The Director has quite clearly considered many of these interpretations in putting together this production.

The set design was minimalist and abstract, typified with all items painted white and identified by their name bring printed on them (e.g. table, chair etc). This worked surprising well, particularly considering the rest of the production wasn’t really set this way. There was a really good use of the various entrances and exits. As part of the staging we must mention the two Pookas sitting at the side of the stage for the whole performance. They worked really-well as a concept to keep the audience aware, from moving the set around during and between scenes to the sound effects they generated. Their interactions at the right points as mischievous sprits were great fun.

The lighting was generally well-cued, well-lit and well-coloured, creating the right level of atmosphere. In terms of Sound, all dialogue was audible. The music fitted well before and between scenes, with Jazz of the period. The costumes worked well. All seemed to be of the period, including the Medical Uniforms. The Pooka costumes were particularly well done. Hair and Make-Up in general all seemed as they should be. Props were largely white and labelled.

The Bradfordians have an enviable reputation for the quality of their performance and this production was able to maintain that fine tradition.

• Elwood P.Dowd was created with an the right affable nature, having all of our sympathies, from the beginning to the very touching end. There was some very convincing acting work, with the invisible Harvey in particular.
• Veta Louise Simmons. This was a well-put together performance. We were able to see a range of clear emotions generated from the love for her brother, to the frustration increases with the effects of his behavior upon her life.
• Myrtle Mae Simmons delivered a strong performance, taking a very direct and forth-wright style.
• Duane Wilson was created a character of high energy, enthusiasm and emotion, which was great fun.
• Lyman Sanderson, M.D demonstrated some excellent comedic control and laugh-out loud moments with this part, particularly in the attempts to resist the advances of Nurse Kelly.
• Ruth Kelly R.N. was another well put-together part and memorable performance. You formed a lovely relationship with the Doctor Sanderson, particularly with your simpering looks and reactions to the rejection of his advances.
• William R. Chumley M.D. This was well put together, particularly his descent from confidence to panic as proceedings unfurled. Betty Chumley was also nicely put-together.
• Mrs Ethel Chauvenet carried the nature of this character off well. Judge Omar Gaffney was excellent in this role, with a particularly clear delivery style.
• E.J.Lofgren delivered the key line well to ensure Veta changed her mind and Miss Johnson was a small part but nicely done!
• Pookas: These two roles were particularly well carried-off. The timing was spot on in coordinating stage and prop movements, sound effects and the key moments of your on-stage interactions, whilst sitting at the side of the stage perfectly still at all other times.

This was a well thought-out, well executed, thoughtful and funny production with some delightful on-stage performances.  With an unusual but innovative set and approach, you were able to get your messages across, whilst still ensuring everyone left entertained and upbeat. Congratulations to everyone involved in the production.

 

 

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