DUBOIS – The Reitz Theater Players will present the classic comedy, “Harvey,” by Mary Chase on April 27-29 and May 3-5 at the Reitz Theater, 36 E. Scribner Ave.
Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. each evening, except for a special matinee performance, starting at 2 p.m. April 29.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for senior citizens and students. Tickets can or purchased at Kohlhepp’s Stone Center, at the Box Office on Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., at www.reitztheater.com or at the door prior to performances.
“Harvey” is the tale of a man named Elwood P. Dowd (played by Chris Taylor of Brookville) and his imaginary friend, a six-foot rabbit named Harvey.
When Harvey’s existence begins to infringe on Elwood’s family, his sister Veta (played by Sue Shaffer of DuBois) decides that he needs to be committed to a psychiatric hospital.
When the staff thinks that Veta is the one that actually needs the treatment, a roller coaster ride of laughs ensues.
“This is a charming story about a simple man who takes everything that comes his way at face value and looks for the good in everyone,” said David Martin, the director of the production.
“In a cynical world, the audience may find that we all could use a ‘Harvey’ in our lives.”
After winning the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1945, the story gained greater fame in a movie version starring Jimmy Stewart five years later.
Various Broadway revivals have followed, including one featuring Jim Parsons (Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory) as Elwood in 2012.
“Theater-goers, young and old, can expect an evening of good-hearted wholesome comedy that will leave them with warm feelings and smiles on their faces as they leave the theater,” Martin said.
In addition to directing the production, Martin is also designing the set. Additional cast members are Joe Lehr as Dr. Chumley, Andy Benson as Dr. Sanderson, Ginger Lehr as Nurse Kelly, Nate Horner as Wilson, Dean Stephens as Judge Gaffney, Gabriella Romeo as Myrtle May, Val Kucenski as Betty and Josh Alderton as the cab driver.
Cultural Resources Inc.’s production of “Harvey” is sponsored in part by Hallstrom Construction and Foradora Insurance.