Bradford Little Theatre has announced a stellar cast of newcomers and BLT veterans for the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy, “Harvey,” by Mary Chase.
“Harvey” is about a man, Elwood P. Dowd, his sister Veta Louise, his niece, Myrtle Mae, and his best friend, a six foot one and a half inch tall pooka named Harvey.
Playing the starring role of Elwood P. Dowd is Charles E. Church of Bradford. Church’s role is comedic, yet complicated, as he is the only character able to see the titular Harvey. Other than having a rabbit for a best friend, Dowd is a perfectly pleasant gentleman who never has a bad word to say about anyone.
“The opportunity to work with the infamous pooka, Harvey, may be one of my most cherished roles, despite his difficulty to stay focused during rehearsals,” said Church, who was last seen on the BLT stage as Nunzio in “Over the River and Through the Woods.”
Dowd’s prim and proper sister, Veta Louise Simmons, is played by Regina Knapp of Marshburg. Knapp is thrilled to be back on the BLT stage after a long absence, having last performed in “American Daughter.” Mrs. Simmon’s daughter, Elwood’s niece, Myrtle Mae Simmons, will be portrayed by Allison Maher of Coudersport. Maher is a newcomer to the BLT stage but not to the play, having played the role of Veta in her high school’s production of the show.
Ron Buchheit of Bradford will be joining Church on stage once again as Dr. William Chumley, an esteemed psychiatrist and head of Chumley’s Rest, the sanitarium where Veta tries to have her brother committed. Buchheit was last seen as Frank in “Over the River and Through the Woods.”
Dr. Chumley’s associate, the young and flirtatious, but wonderful psychiatrist, Dr. Lyman Sanderson will be played by Brian Lewis of Bradford. Lewis is fresh off a role in BLT’s last production, “Tony and Tina’s Wedding.”
Also joining Lewis from “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” are Connie Shanks and Christopher Lathrop, both of Bradford, playing Nurse Ruth Kelly and Nurse Duane Wilson, respectively. Nurse Kelly’s role in the sanitarium is more secretarial while Wilson acts as the muscle of Chumley’s Rest.
Other characters who appear in the show include Judge Omar Gaffney, the family lawyer, portrayed by Brad Preston of Bradford, making his stage debut; Betty Chumley, Dr. Chumley’s wife, played by another newcomer to the stage, Christina Cole; Ethel Chauvenet, an old friend of the family, brought to life by BLT regular Laura Piccioli, last seen in “Death and Taxes;” and E.J. Lofgren, a cab driver who regularly brings patients to the sanitarium, performed by BLT board member David Merwine.
Harvey will be presented at Togi’s Playhouse at 18 Welch Ave. at 7:30 p.m. April 7-8 and at 2 p.m. April 9. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime and tickets are $8 for students and seniors and $10 for adults. Tickets may be purchased from BLT outlets — Togi’s Family Restaurant and Graham Florist, or by contacting Chelsea at 814-598-9956.
