Join Us for an Entertaining Evening
AUDITIONS
HARVEY
In this beloved comedy by Mary Chase, audiences are introduced to the warm-hearted but eccentric Elwood P. Dowd, a gentleman whose closest companion happens to be Harvey—an invisible six-foot, three-and-a-half-inch tall rabbit.
Elwood’s easygoing charm delights nearly everyone he meets, but his devotion to Harvey creates endless frustration for his practical and socially conscious sister, Veta Louise Simmons, who worries that her brother’s peculiar habit is damaging their family’s reputation. With the help of her daughter Myrtle Mae Simmons, Veta attempts to restore order and respectability to their lives—only to find that dealing with Elwood and his mysterious companion leads to a series of increasingly chaotic and hilarious situations.
When doctors, nurses, and a curious assortment of townspeople become entangled in the effort to understand Elwood’s unusual friendship, the line between imagination and reality begins to blur in the most delightful ways. Along the journey, characters such as Dr. William Chumley, Dr. Sanderson, Nurse Kelly, Judge Gaffney, Wilson, and Ethel Chauvenet all discover that Elwood’s gentle outlook on life might hold more wisdom than anyone first suspected.
Filled with wit, warmth, and a touch of whimsy, Harvey invites audiences to consider whether being perfectly “normal” is really the best way to live—or whether a little kindness, imagination, and an invisible friend might make the world a far better place.
Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends for an evening filled with joy and laughter. Our talented cast and crew have worked tirelessly to bring this classic play to life, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you to our theatre!
Save the Date!
JUNE 4, 5, 6
7 PM
JUNE 7
2 PM
Assembly Hall
Jackson County Fairgrounds
Cast of Characters
Elwood P. Dowd (Lead) (Age 35-55) – Elwood P. Dowd is the central character of the play, a charming eccentric who’s best friend is Harvey, an invisible six-foot-tall rabbit. Elwood is well mannered, very friendly, and has “old-school gentleman charm”. Elwood is Veta’s older brother but the age difference needn’t be dramatic.
Dr. William B. Chumley (Age 50-80) – Dr. Chumley is an esteemed psychiatrist and the head of Chumley’s Rest with years of experience. He is a difficult, exacting man who will go to any length to protect the reputation of his sanitarium. Usually played an older actor.
Dr. Lyman Sanderson (Age 20-35) – Dr. Sanderson is a young and highly qualified psychiatrist, handpicked by Dr. Chumley. His talent is only surpassed by his vanity. He is as infatuated with Nurse Kelly as she is with him, though he struggles not to let on. Usually played a younger actor.
Wilson (Age 20-50) – Wilson is the muscle of Chumley’s Rest, a devoted orderly responsible for handling the patients who will not cooperate voluntarily. He sets his sites on Myrtle Mae Simmons soon after meeting her.
Judge Omar Gaffney (Age 40-80) – The judge is an old family friend of the Dowds and the family’s lawyer. He is fiercely protective of the family and surprisingly understanding of Elwood’s belief in Harvey. Usually played an older actor.
Veta Louise Simmons (Age 35-55) – Elwood’s younger sister, Veta has returned to the family home after the death of her mother and is intent on landing a suitable husband for her daughter Myrtle Mae. She is very concerned about fitting into society and all the social proprieties that that involves. She also loves her older brother Elwood very much. This is the dynamic that drives the action of the play.
Ruth Kelly (Age 18-35) – Nurse Kelly is a sympathetic character, a pretty young woman who has a love/hate relationship with Dr. Sanderson. She is sweet and kind and looks for the best in people. Usually played a younger actress.
Myrtle Mae Simmons (Age 18-30) – Myrtle is Veta’s Daughter (Elwood’s Niece). Both Veta and Myrtle are about the business of finding Myrtle a man to marry-a mission that is made impossible with Elwood and Harvey constantly popping in. Myrtle is extremely self-centered. Usually played a younger actress.
Ethel Chauvenet (Age 50-80) – Mrs. Chauvenet is an old friend of the family. She is an elite member of the town’s social circle that Veta desperately wants Myrtle to break into. Usually played an older actress. A smaller role (Act 1 only) – may double as Betty Chumley.
Betty Chumley (Age 50-80) – Dr. Chumley’s kind and talkative wife. Usually played an older actress. A smaller role (Act 2 only) – may double as Ms Chauvenet.
E. J. Lofgren (Open age) – E.J. Lofgren is a cab driver whose monologue about sanitarium passengers is crucial to the climax of the play. This role has a single scene near the very end and would have a limited rehearsal schedule.
Directed by Tressie Fellman
Tressie Fellman, Director. An Ocean Springs native, Tressie holds a BFA in Fine Arts and has always had a passion for creative expression—both on and off the stage. ON GOLDEN POND marks her fourth appearance with Singing River Little Theater, where she has cherished the chance to grow as an artist and connect with her community.