On Stage: Harvey

Harvey was written by playwright Mary Chase in 1944 and became a hit on Broadway from 1944-’49. The 1950 motion picture adaptation starring Jimmy Stewart received Oscar nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress. There was a Broadway stage revival in 1970 and Jimmy Stewart reprised his role for the stage in London's West End in 1975. 

The Laguna Playhouse production of Harvey, directed by the accomplished and beloved Andrew Barnicle, stars French Stewart as Elwood P. Dowd, a happy go-lucky man who sees only the good in others, shows respect and kindness to all and generosity to those in need. His family, however, regards him as completely delusional for his relationship with his best friend, a 6.5 ft. rabbit named Harvey. Although the plot is a bit quirky given the era in which it was written, there are heartfelt messages of forgiveness, tolerance and acceptance. The performances by the entire cast are superb especially Vanessa Claire Stewart, (wife of French Stewart), who plays Veta, Elwood's conflicted sister. Mr. Stewart's stunning portrayal of the idiosyncratic Elwood P. Dowd has successfully paid homage to this Broadway/Hollywood classic and can be enjoyed right here in Laguna through June 16th.

Tickets: lagunaplayhouse.com