OXFORD, MISS. – There are some classic stories that are timeless and such is the case with Mary Chase’s Harvey. Made famous by the 1950 movie adaptation starring Jimmy Stewart, the play centers around a man with an invisible six-foot rabbit as his best friend.
Coming soon to an Oxford stage, Harvey is being produced by Theatre Oxford with Andy Douglas as director.
“The challenge with bringing such a well-loved show to the stage is that people have expectations; they love Harvey already, whether they’ve seen the movie or the play,” producer Melissa Graves said. “But as we know, Oxford brims with talent, and once again, Andy Douglas has brilliantly assembled some of the town’s finest. This is truly community theater at its best—taking some of Oxford’s most talented people and watching them bring Harvey to life.”
Harvey premiered on Broadway in 1944 and closed after 1,775 performances. The play also opened in London and Paris and was revived on Broadway in 1970. It reopened on Broadway in 2012 starring Jim Parsons of Big Bang Theory television show fame.
The story revolves around Elwood P. Dowd, an affable man with an imaginary rabbit friend. He introduces Harvey to everyone he meets which makes his sister Veta uncomfortable so she decides to have him committed. A comedy of errors ensues.
“It’s been a wonderful experience to be back on stage with such a lovely, talented group of actors working to bring this beloved story to life,” Matthew Graves, who plays Elwood P. Dowd, said.
The play will be hosted at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center (413 South 14th St) from August 20–24. All shows August 20–23 are at 7:30 pm with a matinee show on Sunday, August 24 at 2 pm. Tickets are on sale now at theatreoxford.ticketleap.com/ or call the Powerhouse at (662) 236-6429. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members.
On Wednesday, August 20, a special cocktail hour and opening night showing will be held including 1950s drinks and attire with some of June Cleaver’s favorite hors d’oeurves. Seating is limited and tickets are on sale now for $20 for members and $30 for non-members.
Daniel Lee Perea plays Dr. Sanderson. Jonathan Miller takes on the role of Wilson. Alyssa Schnugg will return to stage as Veta Simmons. David O. Bell plays Judge Omar Gaffney and Bill Dabney plays the cab driver, EJ Loftgren. Hannah Moseley serves as the stage manager and assistant director.
To learn more visit, www.theatreoxford.com or visit the new Theatre Oxford Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Theatre-Oxford-community-theater/238811586328341.
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