HARVEY

Classic Rabbit Tale in Highland

Hard Road Theatre Productions, in association with the Highland Arts Council and sponsored by First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, is presenting “Harvey” at the Highland Elementary auditorium, 1800 Lindenthal Street, October 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7:30pm and October 3 at 2pm. Mary Chase’s fanciful tale of a delightfully eccentric man and his tall white rabbit friend was first produced on Broadway in 1943 but is best remembered as a Jimmy Stewart movie in 1950. The story revolves around Veta Simmons’ effort to have her brother, Elwood P. Dowd, committed to the Chumley Rest Home and hopefully rid the family of the shame he and the “imaginary” rabbit Harvey have brought. Comic complications arise when the rest home staff attempts to determine who should be committed. The distinguished Dr. William R. Chumley soon finds himself under Harvey’s spell.

The cast includes Tom Varner (Sorento) as Elwood P. Dowd; Sheila Riggs (Highland) as Veta Simmons; Hank Crider (Highland) as Dr. Chumley; Mitch England (Highland) as Dr. Sanderson; Gentry Herlitz (Staunton) as Nurse Kelly; Tinah Edwards (Collinsville) as Myrtle Simmons; Tim Albaugh (Collinsville) as Judge Gaffney; John Taylor (Highland) as Wilson; Linda Collman (Greenville) as Mrs. Chumley; Mary Knebel (Pierron) as Mrs. Chauvenet; Hugh Gallagher (Edwardsville) as Lofgren; and Myra Juenger (Collinsville) as Miss Johnson. John Goldsmith of Greenville is the director.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for children and can be reserved in advanced by calling (618) 654-7748. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Hard Road Theatre Productions is a non-profit theatre organization committed to providing the larger Highland area with high-quality, affordable, live productions. For more information about Harvey , Hard Road Theatre, or further ticket information, visit the Hard Road website at www.hardroad.org.