This Harvey Will Make You Happy

Elwood P. Dowd introducing his imaginary friend Harvey, to his family and the Chumley’s Rest Sanitarium staff. 

Left to Right:  Andrew Walker (Dr. Sanderson), Catherine Richard (Nurse Kelly), Colter Ivey (Elwood P. Dowd), Katie Hopper (Myrtle Mae Simmons) and Abby Haralson (Veta Louise Simmons).

The award-winning Stratford Playhouse will open its 2017-18 season on Thursday, Oct. 19, with the Pulitzer Prize winning, classic comedy of errors, Harvey. Written by Mary Chase, Harvey tells the story of Elwood P. Dowd, a loveable fellow who just happens to have a presumably imaginary best friend named Harvey (yes, just like the recent hurricane).

Elwood’s sister, Veta, and her daughter, Myrtle May, are sent on a roller coaster ride of comical errors as they meet with doctors, nurses and a 6-feet, 3 ½-inch rabbit – that’s Harvey! This fun-filled theatre experience is designed to offer comic entertainment suitable for the entire family.

Harvey showcases an outstanding cast of student actors under the direction of Christian Holmes. And yes, there is a local weather related connection. “Yes, Harvey (the hurricane) did inspire us to put on Harvey (the play),” Holmes said.

“Though it was destructive and brought much pain and suffering to many, Hurricane Harvey proved how Houston is full of compassionate people who have pulled together to start rebuilding. Harvey (the play) is about the same type of kindness. What better way to highlight the goodness that our community has demonstrated than to put on a show where the main character, Elwood P. Dowd, shows us that being kind is the better way to live,” Holmes also said in a press release.

Or, as Elwood says in the play, “My mother used to say to me, ‘In this world, Elwood, you must be oh, so smart or oh, so pleasant.’ For years, I was smart. I recommend pleasant.”

To read more and learn about ticket purchases, read the full Stratford Playhouse press release.

View the full district Fall Calendar of Performing and Fine Arts Events >>