“Harvey” Is Good-Natured Silliness

The Community Players have dusted off the 1944 farce Harvey, playwright Mary Chase’s tale of lovable eccentric Elwood P. Dowd. Elwood, played by Rick Braun, has a special friend: a 6-foot-tall white rabbit named Harvey. Of course only Elwood can see Harvey. This causes much turmoil for Elwood’s haughty socialite sister Veta (Elizabeth Messier) and his young niece Myrtle Mae (Caitlin Robert), who are embarrassed by his friendship with Harvey.

Veta tries to have Elwood committed to a sanitarium called Chumley’s Rest. Veta’s plans go hilariously awry and Harvey ends up causing turmoil for Dr. Chumley (Joe Wilkicki), an officious martinet who runs the sanitarium. Through all the chaos, Elwood cheerfully goes on with his life.

Braun is effortlessly charming as Elwood, who is sweet and good-natured. He is an engaging performer and the success of Harvey rests on his shoulders. The supporting cast are all capable, especially Messier, who excels at physical comedy. Some of the funniest moments in the show belong to Veta, who learns to accept Elwood and his eccentricities. The cast includes Amy Feucht as Nurse Ruth Kelly, Michael Pugliese as orderly Duane Wilson, Sue Staniunis as Ethel, Becky Minard as Betty Chumley, C. Richard Koster, Jr. as E.J., and Michael Martins as Judge Omar Gaffney.

Director Joan Dillenback deserves a lot of credit for the winning performances.

Harvey is certainly an entertaining play!

Harvey runs through July 20 at Jenks Auditorium, Division St., Pawtucket. For reservations, go to thecommunityplayers.org or call 401-726-6860.