Harvey

By Mary Chase

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Director: Sean Jeffries

Assistant Director: Aaron Davenport

Producer: Elizabeth Duvall

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Play Synopsis’

Harvey, a Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by Mary Chase, tells the story of Elwood P. Dowd, a perfect gentleman, and his best friend, Harvey. Harvey is a six-foot tall rabbit invisible to everyone except Elwood. In order to save the family’s social reputation, Veta Louise, Elwood’s sister, determines to commit Elwood to a sanitarium. However, a mistake is made and Veta is committed rather than Elwood! Eventually the mistake is realized, and a frantic search begins for Elwood and his invisible rabbit friend.

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Audition Requirements

Open to Ages 17+

Come prepared with a short comedic monologue. You may be asked to read from the script with a partner/small group.

 

Audition Dates & Times

Thursday May 18th from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM. Please arrive no later than 7:30 PM.

Saturday May 20th from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Please arrive no later than 1:30 PM.

Possible call-backs, Sunday May 21st from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

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Show dates: August 4-6, 11-13

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Character Descriptions

(6 male, 6 female)

 

Elwood P. Dowd (Male, Age 30-60) – the central character of the play, a charming eccentric who’s best friend is Harvey, an invisible six-foot-tall rabbit. Elwood is well mannered, very friendly, and has “old-school gentleman charm”.

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Veta Louise Simmons (Female, Age 30-60) – Elwood’s sister, Veta is intent on landing a suitable husband for her daughter Myrtle Mae. She is very concerned about fitting into society. Extremely comedic character.

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Dr. William B. Chumley (Male, Age 30-80) – an esteemed psychiatrist with years of experience. He is a difficult man who will go to any length to protect the reputation of his sanitarium. Usually played by an older actor.

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Dr. Lyman Sanderson (Male, Age 20-35) – a young and highly qualified psychiatrist. He is infatuated with Nurse Kelly although he struggles not to let on.

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Nurse Ruth Kelly (Female, Age 18-35) – a young woman who has a love/hate relationship with Dr. Sanderson.

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Duane Wilson (Male, Age 20-35) – Sanitarium orderly responsible for handling patients who will not cooperate voluntarily.

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Myrtle Mae Simmons (Female, Age 17-30) – Veta’s daughter. Both Veta and Myrtle are in the business of finding Myrtle a man to marry. Myrtle is extremely self-centered.

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Judge Omar Gaffney (Male, Age 30-80) – an old family friend of the Dowd’s and the family’s lawyer. He is fiercely protective of the family and surprisingly understanding of Elwood’s belief in Harvey. Usually played by an older actor.

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Ethel Chauvenet (Female, Age 30-80) – a friend of the family. She is an elite member of the town’s social circle. A smaller role (Act 1 only).

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Betty Chumley (Female, Age 30-80) – Dr. Chumley’s kind and talkative wife. A smaller role (Act 2 only).

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E.J. Lofgren (Open age & gender) – a cab driver whose monologue about sanitarium passengers is crucial to the climax of the play.

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Miss Johnson (Female, Open age) – maid to the family. A smaller role (Act 1 only).

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