The Old Glory Community Theatre will open its latest production, Harvey, June 3-7 in Seward, bringing a classic comedy with a meaningful message to local audiences.
Directed by Angela Kaspar, the play follows the story of Elwood P. Dowd, a kind but eccentric man whose best friend happens to be an invisible six-foot rabbit named Harvey. While Elwood enjoys introducing Harvey to everyone he meets, his sister Veta and niece Myrtle Mae worry that his unusual behavior could damage the family’s social reputation. Their attempts to have him committed to a sanitarium quickly spiral into a series of misunderstandings and comedic chaos.
“It’s just hilarious,” Kaspar said. “All the chaos of it is really funny, and at the end it’s very wholesome. It’s just a great show all around.”
Originally written by Mary Chase, Harvey first gained popularity in the 1940s and later became a well-known film starring Jimmy Stewart. Kaspar said the play’s long-standing popularity was one reason she chose it for this year’s production.
“It’s a classic,” she said. “A lot of people are familiar with it.”
Kaspar also said the story connects with modern conversations surrounding mental health and how society views people who may seem different.
“There’s a lot of spotlight in the world right now around mental health and things like that,” Kaspar said. “I wanted to shed some light on the mental health side of things and bring awareness.”
While audiences should not expect elaborate special effects, Kaspar said the strength of the production comes from the performances and comedic timing of the cast.
Justin Baldinger stars as Elwood, a role that differs from many of the parts local audiences may recognize him for at Old Glory productions.
“Any role that he is in, he steals it,” Kaspar said. “He could honestly play anything.”
Kaspar said Baldinger does an especially strong job helping audiences tell the difference between Elwood and Harvey through changes in tone and personality.
“You’re going to know when he’s Elwood and when he’s impersonating Harvey,” she said.
The show will also feature a surprise moment involving a photo prop that Kaspar said audiences will not want to miss.
Performances of Harvey will run June 3-7 at Old Glory Community Theatre in Seward. Tickets and additional show information are available through the theater’s box office and social media pages.
Kaspar said she hopes the community comes out to enjoy the production’s humor, heart and timeless message.
“It’s funny, wholesome, and meaningful all at the same time,” she said.
