{"id":108662,"date":"2025-03-02T18:56:15","date_gmt":"2025-03-03T02:56:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forallevents.com\/reviews\/?p=108662"},"modified":"2025-03-02T21:17:12","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T05:17:12","slug":"harvey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forallevents.com\/reviews\/harvey\/","title":{"rendered":"Harvey"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A Rip-Roaring, Rabbit-Loving Romp: Harvey Brings the Laughs and a Little Magic<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Now, folks, there are plays that make you think, and then there are plays that make you smile<\/em>, and Harvey<\/em> does a fine job of the latter. Pittsburg Theatre Company\u2019s take on Mary Chase\u2019s Pulitzer Prize-winning classic is a warm, witty, and downright delightful production that invites audiences to leave their skepticism at the door and embrace the improbable\u2014namely, a six-foot, one-and-a-half-inch-tall invisible rabbit named Harvey.<\/span><\/p>\n

From the moment you see the production\u2019s striking promotional artwork\u2014a silhouette of a sharply dressed figure, only instead of a human head, it\u2019s a rabbit\u2014you know you\u2019re in for something playful yet sophisticated. This clever visual sets the tone for a show that balances humor with heart, whimsy with wit.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the heart of this well-paced comedy is Kirk Waller as Elwood P. Dowd, a man whose unwavering politeness and gentle nature make him instantly likable. Waller plays the role with an effortless charm, as if he were born to spend his days tipping his hat to an imaginary best friend. Suzanne Ochs as his long-suffering sister Veta Louise Simmons gives a sharp and hilarious performance, exasperated to no end as she tries to navigate the chaos that her brother\u2019s unusual friendship causes. Skylar Clouse as Myrtle Mae Simmons, determined to escape social ruin, brings just the right mix of desperation and comedic energy.<\/span><\/p>\n

The supporting cast is top-notch, with Brad Verla as Dr. Chumley, Phillip Leyva as Dr. Sanderson, and Mary Katherine Patterson as Nurse Kelly rounding out the ensemble with standout<\/strong> performances. Each brings their own flair to the production, ensuring that every moment is packed with humor, tension, or outright absurdity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Visually, the production shines. Director and producer Dianna Schepers has orchestrated a show that feels both polished and heartfelt. The set design and sound, also by Schepers, transport the audience seamlessly between the Dowd home and Chumley\u2019s Rest, capturing the play\u2019s timeless whimsy. Jana McDowell\u2019s costume design is a perfect fit for the era, and Mike Morris\u2019 lighting design keeps the show feeling dynamic without distraction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adding to the production\u2019s charm is the work of the stage crew and volunteers, including the talented students from Pittsburg High School\u2019s Stagecraft class. It\u2019s clear that this is a community-driven show in the best sense\u2014full of heart, collaboration, and an appreciation for the magic of live theater.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Note on Pookas and Harvey\u2019s Whimsical Legacy<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

In Irish folklore, a pooka (p\u00faca) is a mischievous spirit that can bring good or bad fortune, often appearing in animal forms, like a rabbit or horse. Harvey<\/em> embodies this tradition as an unseen but ever-present companion, guiding Elwood P. Dowd\u2019s life in whimsical and mysterious ways. His presence, real or imagined, challenges those around him to reconsider what is \u201cnormal\u201d and embrace kindness, imagination, and a touch of the fantastical. The play leaves it delightfully ambiguous\u2014perhaps Harvey is just a figment of Elwood\u2019s worldview, or maybe, just maybe, the six-foot-tall rabbit is more real than anyone dares to admit.<\/span>\"\"<\/a>At the end of the day, Harvey<\/em> is the kind of play that reminds us life is better when we leave a little room for the unexpected\u2014especially if the unexpected happens to be a well-mannered, invisible rabbit. If you get a chance to see this production, take it. You might just find yourself raising a toast to the unseen, the unconventional, and the utterly delightful.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Get Tickets<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Performances of Harvey<\/em> run from February 28 to March 9, 2025<\/strong>, at the California Theatre in Pittsburg, CA<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets are priced at $22-$30<\/strong> and can be purchased online at www.tickets831.com<\/a> or by calling 925-427-1611<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Better yet, consider becoming a season ticket subscriber<\/strong> and enjoy Pittsburg Theatre Company\u2019s full 2025 season, which includes Harvey<\/em>, Chicago<\/em>, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\u00a0 A Rip-Roaring, Rabbit-Loving Romp: Harvey Brings the Laughs and a Little Magic Now, folks, there are plays that make you think, and then there are plays that make you…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"yasr_overall_rating":4,"yasr_post_is_review":"yes","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[838],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-108662","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-joseph-cillo"},"yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":true,"span_bottom":"