Published: February 05, 2009 08:53 am      

‘Harvey’ hops on stage Friday

WEATHERFORD — Beginning Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 is Theatre Off the Square’s production of the classic play “Harvey” written by Mary Chase and presented with special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. The play will run Friday through Sunday, Feb. 6-8, 13-15 and 20-22. Pat Dohoney, director for this production is assisted by Karen Dohoney, assistant director with Debby Herbel stage manager.

While many are familiar with the James Stewart movie version of “Harvey,” the long running stage version came first, collecting several awards along the way. The author, Mary Chase, wrote both play and screenplay. The story revolves around a kindly gentleman named Elwood P. Dowd, played by Delmar Dolbier, who, by his own admission, wrestled with reality for years and finally won out over it. Elwood enjoys meeting new people, playing cards with them, sharing drinks with them and introducing them to his best friend, Harvey, a big white rabbit. A Pooka, to be exact. Elwood’s sister, Veta, and niece, Myrtle Mae, played by Lana Robinson and Erin Yount, have difficulty dealing with Harvey’s existence and the adventures he creates. Deciding to have Elwood committed to Chumley’s Rest Sanitarium is something Veta never thought she would do, but finds it necessary after Elwood insists on introducing Harvey to her Wednesday Forum Ladies’ Club.

When they arrive at Chumley’s Rest, some of the information shared during the admissions’ process is misunderstood and Veta is assumed to be the patient while Elwood is allowed to leave and return to town. Dr. Sanderson and Nurse Kelly, played by Jake Shanahan and Candace Brooks, are forced to alert the head of the institution, Dr. Chumley himself, played by Jon Kruse, about the situation. Included in the cast of “Harvey” are Mike West, Chris Reaves, Kathy Manning, Karen Dohoney, Chuck Hudson and Nicole Acosta. Karen Dohoney is also the assistant director and Debby Herbel is the stage manager.

Theatre Off the Square is located at 114 N. Denton in Weatherford. “Harvey” will be onstage beginning Friday, Feb. 6, and running weekends through Sunday, Feb. 22. 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. On Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14, ladies in the audience will each receive a flower, compliments of A Special Place in Weatherford. A dinner and theatre package is also available by calling Chicken Scratch Bistro at (817) 594-6226 for reservations. For information, call (817) 341-8687 (TOTS) or visit www.weatherfordtots.org.