Hop Over to Pierson Playhouse to Meet ‘Harvey’

The Play, Telling the ‘Tail’ of a Giant White Rabbit, Will Run Through July 10

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Theatre Palisades’ latest production has all of the typical components one would expect to see on the Pierson Playhouse stage: actors—both returning and joining for the first time—elaborate costumes and a creative use of space for the set.

But perhaps the biggest stage presence in “Harvey” is a character audience members actually never get to see. The titular star is an invisible rabbit, looming at just over six feet tall.

The play, penned by Mary Chase in 1944, follows the story of Elwood P. Dowd, who insists on including his imaginary friend rabbit in all of his beloved sister Veta’s social gatherings—much to the dismay of her daughter, Myrtle Mae. Looking for a fix for the situation, Veta decides to have Elwood committed to an institution.

“At the sanitarium, a frantic Veta explains to the staff that her years of living with Elwood’s hallucination have caused her to see Harvey also, so the doctors mistakenly commit her instead of her mild-mannered brother,” according to a synopsis provided by Theatre Palisades. “The truth comes out, however; Veta is freed, and the search is on for Elwood, who eventually arrives at the sanitarium of his own volition looking for Harvey.”

One of the most charming aspects throughout the show are the family relations: Elwood P. Dowd, played by Bob Grochau (previously seen in “Twelve Angry Men” and “The Odd Couple” at Pierson Playhouse), always puts his sister, Veta, played by Maria O’Connor, first—even when she’s attempting to have him placed in the institution.

O’Connor’s versatility on the Pierson Playhouse stage is vast, previously playing the role of a distressed wife in “A Comedy of Tenors.” Over the course of “Harvey,” Veta grows—both as a sister to Elwood and mother to Myrtle Mae (Isabella DiBernardino).

DiBernardino gives a memorable performance as Myrtle Mae, a slightly spoiled, slightly out-of-touch character, who is more interested in social appearances than concern over her uncle. Her performance serves as the perfect counter to Grochau, who, though his sense of reality is altered by the rabbit, is down-to-earth, friendly and so overly caring to everyone he meets.

Taking the Pierson Playhouse stage for the first time in the role of the institution’s doctors were Jaxson Brashier (Dr. William R. Chumley) and Levente Tarr (Dr. Lyman Sanderson). As the mishaps take place in their office, both actors nail the chaotic energy of attempting to right the wrongs, while assessing what to do about Harvey.

Other roles in the play include Nurse Kelly (Jessica Kent), Ethel Chauvenet/E.J. Lofgren (Mari King), Duane Wilson (Josh Paris), Judge Omar Gaffney (Mitch Feinstein) and Betty Chumley (Laura Goldstein).

Though not the main storyline, the play also follows the quasi-love story between Nurse Kelly and Dr. Sanderson as it unfolds, which gives the play another dimension, casting an even wider net for attracting audience members who are most interested in romantic tales over … rabbit tails.

Without spoiling how the story ends—like what becomes of the larger-than-life pooka and the family members most affected by him—“Harvey” is at times funny, at times sweet and overall makes for an entertaining evening.

Theatre Palisades’ rendition of “Harvey” is directed by Marina Tidwell, and produced by Martha Hunter and Mitch Feinstein. Set and lighting had Sherman Wayne at the helm, with sound design by Susan Stangl. Robert Tidwell served as stage manager, and Alta Abbott did costume design.

“‘Harvey’ has undoubtedly stood the test of time: a long Broadway run in the 1940s, an Academy Award-nominated film with Jimmy Stewart in 1950, a 2012 Broadway revival with Jim Parsons, and countless performances throughout the U.S. and the world,” Tidwell shared in a director’s note in the play’s program. “Its popularity rests on its gently whimsical viewpoint, with plenty of farce and more than a dash of irony to have fun with.”

The show, which postponed its opening weekend by two weeks, is slated to have a four-week run, having kicked off on June 17 and extending through July 10.

Current COVID-19 rules and requirements in place at the theater include “proof of full vaccination, including proof of a booster shot, or negative PCR test result within 48 hours or a verifiable Antigen test within 24 hours from your performance date, along with a government-issued photo ID,” according to the Theatre Palisades’ website.

Theatergoers will also be required to wear a face mask, covering both the mouth and nose, for the duration of time spent in the venue.

Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., as well as a matinee on Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for students and seniors.

Those interested in purchasing a “Mini-Season” pass for the three Theatre Palisades shows being offered can do so for $45. Additional performances part of the package include “Nunsense,” slated to run August 26 to October 9, and “Good Night Mrs Puffin,” from November 4 to December 11.

All shows take place at Pierson Playhouse, located at 941 Temescal Canyon Road.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theatrepalisades.org.