‘Harvey’ Comes To Nappanee
![Travis Smith as Elwood P. Dowd, a man with a rabbit only he can see for a friend, in Amish Acre’s Round Barn Theatre’s “Harvey.” The production is on stage through Nov. 8. For tickets call the box office at (800) 800-4912, ext. 2 or online at amishacres.com.](https://www.inkfreenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Harvey-e1445618396915.jpg)
Travis Smith as Elwood P. Dowd, a man with a rabbit only he can see for a friend, in Amish Acre’s Round Barn Theatre’s “Harvey.” The production is on stage through Nov. 8. For tickets call the box office at (800) 800-4912, ext. 2 or online at amishacres.com.
NAPPANEE — Elwood P. Dowd (Travis Smith) has a best friend, Harvey. Problem is, Harvey is a 6-and-a-half-foot rabbit who no one else can see. “Harvey” is on stage at Amish Acres Round Barn Theatre in Nappanee through Nov. 8.
The duo spread infectious good cheer throughout the evening. As the friendly alcoholic, Elwood consumes more than his fair share of booze. He’s an eccentric oddball. Throughout the evening, Smith delights the audience with his antics and expressions.
Rita Kurtz is Veta Louise Simmons, Elwood’s sister. Elsa Scott is Myrtle Mae Simmons. They live in the mansion Mother left to Elwood.
The play opens as the Simmons are entertaining society ladies. In the library, the women discuss Elwood and Harvey and their problems and continually check on how the affair in the other room is going. Veta is happy to see Ethel Chauvener (MoMo Lamping) has arrived. When she meets Elwood and he introduces Harvey the woman is flabbergasted and leaves in a huff.
Veta decides it’s time to have Elwood institutionalized. Harvey is getting to be a big problem.
In the reception room of Chumley’s Rest, the fun begins as the nurse, Ruth Kelly (Katherine Yacko) calls Dr. Lyman Sanderson (Ryan A. Schisler) to grill Elwood about Harvey. Elwood, however, claims he doesn’t know a person by that name. Veta, who really wanted to see Dr. Charles Chumley (Charles Burr), the psychiatrist in charge, talks to Sanderson as he goes deeper into the problem. When she admits she has, from time to time, caught a glimpse of Harvey, the doctor decides it’s Veta who needs to be institutionalized, not her brother.
When on stage, Kelly and Sanderson have eyes for each other even though he denies it, adding to the comedy of the evening.
Duane Wilson (Tucker Curtis), the tough guy who handles the patients, is called to assist with Veta, meanwhile, Elwood and Harvey leave.
Enter Dr. Chumley, who is updated on the events taking place. When he learns Veta has been admitted to the institution, he calls Judge Omar Gaffney (T.J. Besler), the Dowd family attorney who confirms it’s Elwood who has the problem. He fires Sanderson.
Betty Chumley (Pam Gunterman), the good doctor’s wife, arrives at the clinic to wait for her husband. They plan to attend a social event. Enter Elwood. He has lost Harvey and is looking for his friend. He leaves a note that tells Harvey to meet him.
Afraid he might be sued, Chumley sends Veta home. He tells his wife they can’t attend the social event and after learning about the note for Harvey, he set off to find Elwood.
Back in the library, Myrtle Mae and the judge wait for Veta, who arrives upset from all that has happened. Chumley and Wilson arrive hoping Elwood has come home.
The good doctor finally catches up with Elwood and they have a drink together, then two, then … .
Everyone eventually ends up back at the clinic, including Chumley and Harvey. Want to know what happens next? Don’t miss this winsome comedy.
While Smith turns in an outstanding performance, the rest of the cast is first rate, too. Hats off to everyone for a very entertaining evening.
For tickets call the box office at (800) 800-4912, ext. 2 or online at amishacres.com.