Learn the story of Harvey at The Little Theatre
The classic comedy "Harvey" is the latest production by The Little Theatre of Jefferson City.
This is the story of Elwood P. Dowd, played by James Packard, who starts to introduce his imaginary friend, Harvey, a six-and-a-half-foot rabbit to guests at a society party. Dowd's sister Veta, played by Tracy Wegman, has tolerated his eccentric behavior as long as possible and decides to have him committed to spare her daughter, Myrtle Mae, played by Natalie Wittenberger, from future embarrassment.
Dr. Chumley, played by Brian Harper, is the owner of Chumley's Rest, where Veta goes to commit Dowd.
Problems begin when Veta is mistakenly assumed to be on the verge of lunacy when she explains the situation to the doctors, and she is committed. The truth comes out and the search is on for Elwood and Harvey leading to all sorts of comedic situations. In the end, Veta realizes maybe Harvey isn't so bad after all.
Maria Bish is a first-time director. She has been involved with TLT for 16 years, 15 of which have been as costume manager.
"I felt it was time to perhaps step out and tackle directing," Bish said.
"It was a short time schedule for rehearsal. We normally rehearse for three months, and this time we had seven weeks," Bish said.
Luckily, it was a technically straightforward play.
A veteran of the group, Barb Schmutzler, serves as production manager, and Bish said she is her right-hand person and her help is invaluable.
Bish's daughter, Gabrielle Wittenberger, is the show advisor, and Bish valued her help and past experience as a director.
Son-in-law Mark Wittenberger is set designer and construction chief, and granddaughter Natalie plays Myrtle Mae.
"This was a true family project," Bish said.
The show will be at 7:30 p.m. June 11-13 at the Miller Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at the box office the week of show from 5-7 p.m. and on night of show from 5 p.m. until curtain.