Mask & Mirror Community Theatre will open its Diamond Anniversary 15th Main Stage season with American playwright Mary Chase’s award-winning hit, Harvey. Directed by Mark Putnam, the classic comedy will take place on The Main Stage at Rise Church, 10445 Canterbury Lane, Tigard, from November 7 to November 23. Performance times for the three weekends are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Chase’s hugely popular comedy – a 1945 Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner which enjoyed long runs on Broadway and at London’s West End, leading ultimately to the 1950 movie starring James Stewart – features the mild-mannered and amiable Elwood P. Dowd, whose best friend is an imaginary 6-foot-tall rabbit named Harvey. Dowd’s sister, Veta, attempts to have her gentlemanly brother committed to an asylum due to his unusual behavior, but things don’t progress as expected, and a chaotic chain of events ensues. Exploring themes of sanity, perception, and the power of kindness and empathy, the play – penned in 1944 during the real-life backdrop of World War II – has become a classic in modern theater.
An analysis of the play reflects its parallels to playwright Mary Chase’s life. She is represented by the invisible Harvey, a metaphor for women who were often unseen or unheard in a patriarchal society. The treatment of Dowd’s sister, Veta, reflects the subjugation and mistreatment women experienced at the hands of that system. Dowd himself demonstrates the power of imagination to create a better, less frightening world.
Putnam’s seasoned cast bringing this heartwarming comedy to life stars Les Ico as the affable Elwood P Dowd, Patti Speight as Elwood’s social-climbing sister Veta Louise Simmons, Shianna Deck-Ugelstad as Veta’s self-centered marriageable daughter Myrtle Mae Simmons, Virginia Kincaid as socially prominent friend of the family [Aunt] Ethel Chauvenet, Peter Bolger as esteemed psychiatrist William B. Chumley MD, Gwen Zellmer as his kind and talkative wife Betty Chumley, Bryce Bristow as vain Lyman Sanderson MD, Sophie Duntley as sympathetic Ruth Kelly RN, David Fuks as befuddled Judge Omar Gaffney, Christian Jones as no-nonsense asylum orderly Duane Wilson, and Steven Neils as insistent cab driver E.J. Lofgren.
Putnam’s experienced crew includes Kathleen Bean Jones as Production Manager, George Mauro as Stage Manager, Sophie Duntley as Assistant Director, Jodi Johnson and Kathleen Bean Jones as Costumers, George Mauro as Set Design, Cindy Zimmerman as Set Dresser, Kathryn Stevens as Prop Mistress, Steve Hotaling for Technical Director/Light and Sound Design and Operator, Kathleen Bean Jones as Photographer, Kat Carrico as Poster Design, Ania Brown and Kathleen Bean Jones as Makeup and Hair Design, Dwayne Thurnau as Box Office, and John Knowles, John Bartholomew, Mark Putnam, George Mauro, David Jones, and Christian (Chrispy) Jones as Set Construction. House Managers include John Knowles, Kathleen Bean Jones, and Jodi Johnson, assisted by Bonnie Scott as Assistant House Manager. John Knowles and his son Ian Knowles will compile the program.
Putnam enthusiastically states, “When I took on this assignment, I was a bit nervous since I did not have a lot of preparation time. However, once Production Manager Kathleen Jones put my mind at ease, I immediately jumped in with audition side choices. I was very happy with the turnout, and after day 2, I had my cast. I love this show, the cast and crew, and I look forward to bringing this classic story to life on the Mask & Mirror stage. Everyone is so talented, and wonderful relationships between the players have already sprung forth. This will be a memorable and joyous kickoff of the 15th season for Mask & Mirror. I hope to see you there!”
Mask & Mirror Community Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit performing company. Your support is very much appreciated. Additional information can be obtained by visiting www.maskandmirror.com.
