The Granite Theatre Presents Harvey: A Whimsical Classic Comes to Life
The Granite Theatre Presents Harvey: A Whimsical Classic Comes to Life in Westerly
Westerly, Rhode Island – This September, the Granite Theatre is thrilled to bring the beloved play Harvey to life on its stage. Running from September 6 to September 22, 2024, this whimsical production promises to charm audiences with its heartwarming humor and delightful performances.
Harvey, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Mary Chase, tells the story of Elwood P. Dowd, a kind-hearted and eccentric man who befriends an invisible, six-and-a-half-foot-tall rabbit named Harvey. The play explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and the fine line between sanity and insanity, all wrapped up in a lighthearted comedy that has enchanted audiences since its Broadway debut in 1944.
A Tale of Eccentricity and Heart
In the Granite Theatre's production, Elwood P. Dowd is brought to life by Jim Doherty, who captures the character’s gentle nature and unwavering belief in his invisible companion. Elwood’s insistence on including Harvey in his daily life and social gatherings causes great distress to his sister, Veta Louise Simmons, played by Vickie Blake. Veta, desperate to preserve her family’s reputation—especially for her daughter Myrtle Mae, portrayed by Jenson Tavares—decides to have Elwood committed to a sanitarium.
However, things take a hilarious turn when Veta's frantic explanation of her brother’s delusions leads the sanitarium’s staff to mistakenly commit her instead of Elwood. The ensuing chaos reveals that perhaps Elwood’s eccentricities aren't as harmful as they first seemed. As the story unfolds, the characters—and the audience—are left questioning what’s more important: reality as we know it, or the joy and comfort found in believing in the extraordinary.
A Stellar Cast and Direction
The Granite Theatre’s rendition of Harvey features a talented ensemble cast that brings this quirky story to life. Alongside Jim Doherty, Vickie Blake, and Jenson Tavares, the production includes Barbara Bloemink, Moe Gans-Pomerantz, Molly Gans-Pomerantz, Phil Harris, Sydney Hermanson, Ginny Katz, Jim Kenney, Elias Sandlin, and Warren Usey. Each actor adds depth and humor to their roles, ensuring that every scene is filled with the play's trademark charm.
Directing the production is Tom Steenburg, whose vision and attention to detail have shaped a performance that honors the original play while adding a unique Granite Theatre touch. Stage management by Paula Brouilette ensures that every performance runs smoothly, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the magical world of Harvey.
Show Dates and Ticket Information
The Granite Theatre will host performances of Harvey on the following dates:
- September 6, 2024 (Friday) at 7:30 PM
- September 7, 2024 (Saturday) at 7:30 PM
- September 8, 2024 (Sunday) at 2:00 PM
- September 12, 2024 (Thursday) at 7:30 PM
- September 13, 2024 (Friday) at 7:30 PM
- September 14, 2024 (Saturday) at 7:30 PM
- September 15, 2024 (Sunday) at 2:00 PM
- September 19, 2024 (Thursday) at 7:30 PM
- September 20, 2024 (Friday) at 7:30 PM
- September 21, 2024 (Saturday) at 7:30 PM
Tickets are priced at $30.00 for adults, excluding taxes and fees. To reserve your seats, call the Granite Theatre Box Office at 401-596-2341 or visit their website at www.granitetheatre.org for more information and to purchase tickets online.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Harvey, a timeless story of imagination and kindness, brought to life by the talented team at the Granite Theatre. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the play or discovering it for the first time, this production is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a warmth in your heart.
