Harvey
Performances
March 27 & 28, 1952
Venue
Scottish Rite Temple
Synopsis
Mr. Elwood P. Dowd’s best friend is a “pooka” named Harvey: a six foot three and one half inch tall white rabbit that only he can see. Elwood’s family understandably wants him committed to an asylum. In the comedy of errors that ensues at Dr. Chumley’s Rest, Veta, Elwood’s sister, comes to realize that she prefers Elwood as he has always been–carefree and kind, even if it means living with Harvey.
Author: Mary Chase
Historian’s Corner
In a May 23, 1952, Pantagraph article on the upcoming production of “Harvey,” a large white rabbit in coat and tie was shown eating at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Biddle. Roy played Elwood P. Dowd and Mrs. Biddle played the part of Mrs. Chumley. The story was about Harvey’s stay in Bloomington until the play was completed, when it would be time to move on to the next Dowd home. Mrs. Biddle’s comment on Harvey and his stay at their home was, ”other than the hairy ring around the bath tub, you wouldn’t even know he was here.” At the end of the year meeting it was announced that Players had a record number of season tickets with 2,565 sold for the 1951-1952 Season.
Cast
Crew
