There’s trouble brewing at the Dowd/Simmons residence. Elwood P. Dowd is cavorting with a 6-foot-3 invisible rabbit named Harvey, and it’s ruining his sister and niece’s social lives.
How does one introduce a budding deb to society if her uncle insists on having his imaginary pal at every soirée?
The answer? Have him committed to Chumley’s Rest sanitarium.
See photos from the Crestview High production of 'Harvey'>>
What ensues is the premise for “Harvey,” the Crestview High School Theatre Department’s fall production that ran this past weekend.
Playwright Mary Chase’s 1944 comedy is a gentle, pleasant romp, and the CHS production was a delightful diversion from the season's frenzy.
GREAT CAST, EFFECTIVE SET
"Harvey" was well cast and performed on a simple, effective set under drama teacher Annette Gebhardt's experienced guidance.
Jacob Smith — a junior, who embraced his role as Elwood P. Dowd lovingly and sympathetically — has blossomed as a performer since his walk-on role in last fall’s “Dear Ruth.” I'm looking forward to more appearances by this young talent.
New to the stage is Corey Delvalle, who played the amorous Dr. Lyman Sanderson, a neat coincidental piece of casting as Corey, also a junior, hopes to pursue a career in medicine. Sanderson's subtle attempts to romance Nurse Ruth Kelly, efficiently played by CHS stage veteran Megan Keiffer, included a cool arched eyebrow look that Sir Sean Connery would envy.
COLORFUL CHARACTERS
Veteran Jill Cumbia joined newcomer Aislinn Suarez as Elwood’s social-climbing sister and niece, Veta Louise and Myrtle Mae Simmons, respectively, and both were excellent fun.
Veta Louise’s efforts to have Elwood committed resulted in her accidentally becoming a Chumley's Rest resident herself.
And as the blustery Dr. William Chumley, what better piece of casting than junior Michael Brooks, whose specialty has become larger-than-life characters. Zac Sticha returned as the dignified Judge Omar Gaffney.
No sanitarium would be complete without a creepy orderly bullying patients and visitors alike while showing untoward attentions toward Nurse Kelly. Senior Trevor Vaughn excellently filled the role.
With support from Riley Williams as Betty Chumley, Ethan Mitchell as cabbie E.J. Lofgren, Michaela Pawlak as Miss Johnson and Emily Jacobsen as Ethel Chauvenet, a wonderfully snooty society doyenne who finds Harvey a bit off-putting, Crestview High’s production of “Harvey” was another joy for a joyous season.
My one criticism is the oversized microphones worn by most principal cast members. Their big, black stems capped by a large, black wind screen could be distracting.
Perhaps some Thespian alumni could band together and buy more discreet lavalier mics?
Email Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: REVIEW: ‘Harvey’ lightens the holidays at CHS