Published: January 28, 2009 08:18 am      

TOTS presents ‘Harvey’ in February

WEATHERFORD — The familiar and much loved story of Harvey will be onstage at Theatre Off the Square in Weatherford beginning Friday, Feb. 6, and running weekends through Sunday, Feb. 22.

Written by Mary Chase, this play was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1944 for drama, and its initial run lasted four years. It is produced with special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. This production is directed by Pat Dohoney with assistant director Karen Dohoney. Stage manager is Debby Herbel.

As the play begins, Myrtle Simmons and her mother, Veta, played by Erin Yount and Lana Robinson, respectively, are hosting a reception for the ladies’ Wednesday Forum in their home, something they have not attempted in quite some time. And the reason for that is Veta’s brother, Elwood, played by Delmar Dolbier. While Elwood is a very pleasant and polite gentleman, he also has a close friend named Harvey — a six foot tall, white Pooka, who is also invisible to Elwood’s friends and family.

While this can be offsetting to those who are merely acquaintances of Elwood, his family has reached their limit. When Elwood shows up unexpectedly at the Wednesday Forum and introduces Harvey to socialite Mrs. Chauvenet, played by Kathy Manning, Veta decides to take a drastic step and have Elwood committed to Chumley’s Rest, a local “care center” for those in need of psychological attention.

Upon arriving at Chumley’s Rest, Dr. Sanderson, played by Jake Shanahan, and Nurse Kelly, played by Candace Brooks, attempt to sort out exactly who the patient is assisted by the head psychiatrist and founder of Chumley’s Rest, Dr. Chumley, played by Jon Kruse and his loyal employee, Wilson, played by Chris Reaves.

While Elwood seems so friendly and normal, his sister is quite frantic and gives the impression of needing a quiet place to rest. When Veta is subjected to hydrotherapy and Elwood is allowed to leave, the confusion can only be eclipsed by Harvey disappearing.

While the story is familiar, the comedy of this play is always fresh.

Theatre Off the Square is located at 114 N. Denton in Weatherford. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available in advance at the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce and Weatherford Senior Center for $10 or by calling (817) 341-8687 (TOTS). Prices at the door are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Matinee tickets are $9. Season ticket holders are encouraged to call for selected seating.

For more information, call (817) 341-8687 (TOTS) or visit www.weatherford tots.org.