HARVEY hops onto the Segal Center stage.

Harvey by Mary Chase, directed by Diana Leblanc, is presented at The Segal Centre for Performing Arts, April 18 to May 9, 2010. This Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy (1944-45) is one of the longest running shows in Broadway history with 1,775 performances, Nov. 1944 - Jan. 1949.

“I am delighted that the talented Diana Leblanc is directing the Segal production. Diana brings exceptional directorial skills and panache to this timeless piece about the lovable Elwood P. Dowd and his friend Harvey the ‘pooka’, a six-foot-six invisible rabbit, ... Harvey is a powerful tonic for the spirit. Mary Chase wrote this wonderful, imaginative comedy to bring comfort, humour and reassurance to a world that was torn apart by the ravages of World War II.” Artistic Director Bryna Wasserman.

When Elwood (RH Thomson) introduces Harvey at a high-society party, his status-obsessed sister Veta (Nora McLellan) is mortified and decides to have him committed to spare her family further embarrassment. But things do not go according to plan. Elwood and Harvey spark pandemonium and the medical establishment’s definition of ‘normal’ is turned totally upside down. The daughter of Irish immigrants, American author Mary Chase was profoundly influenced by Celtic tradition and folklore. Harvey’s character was inspired by a dream she had about a rabbit chasing a psychiatrist; and the mythical Celtic “pooka”, a shape-shifter that takes the form of a rabbit, or other creature, and appears only to those who believe in them. According to folklore, pookas can be impish, even terrifying, but will be kind if treated nicely.

Set in pre-WWII America, the Segal production of Harvey features stylish period costumes by designer James Lavoie. John Dinning’s stunning full Broadway interior style set includes rich wood floors, an elegant colour scheme and architectural elements of the American neo-Classicism period. A striking choreography of light and sound by lighting designer Sarah Yaffe and composer Keith Thomas further enhance the production.

Harvey was adapted into a film starring Jimmy Stewart and Josephine Hull in 1950. Hull’s performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and Stewart received a Best Actor Oscar nomination.

R. H. Thomson – Elwood P. Dowd, Moira Wylie – Betty Chumle, R. H. Thomson – Elwood P. Dowd, R. H. Thomson – Elwood P. Dowd, Gemma James Smith – Miss Ruth Kelly, Mike Paterson – Taxi Driver (E.J. Lofgren) & Orderly (Duane Wilson), Alex McCooeye – Lyman Sanderson M.D. Photo: Nora McLellan and RH Thomson. Photographer Randy Cole. GO C IT!

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