Harvey - Stirling Theatre

I was delighted to be able to respond to an invitation to attend a dress rehearsal of Stirling Theatre's of production Mary Chase's Pullitzer-prize winning Harvey.

I can't claim that my enjoyment wasn't coloured by the length of time I've experienced between getting out to the theatre recently - what with the roll out of the new version of this website, termites infestations at home and a new baby in the house, it's a very real pleasure to get out to see a show!

:-) 

Chances are that my enjoyment was also heightened by the fact that Harvey represents one of my earliest memories of attending live theatre. I've an idea it was a production up at Roleystone Theatre, although the theatre was nothing like the current venue, and I'm just guessing that I might have been 7-8 years old at the time.

The dress rehearsal that I saw last weekend held out great promise of a fine production of this endearing classic. For the most part the cast, particularly the leads, were assured in their roles. I didn't know all the performers by name but there were excellent performances from Karin Staflund and Jeff Watkins as Veta Simmons and Dr Sanderson. 

The actor playing Mr Wilson gave a performance that brought energy, purpose and clarity to each scene he appeared in. Dr Chumley cut an appropriately terrifying figure given my recent experience with psychiatrists. There was very able support from others and some lovely cameo appearances.

But the show belonged to Elwood P. Dowd - and his large white accomplice. There's not a huge range in the role for any performer, but Graeme Johnson's Elwood was a dapper man played with sincerity, humility and panache. Hard to believe it was the man's first stage appearance!

A five act play with several scene changes presents challenges to modern audiences accustomed to two second cross fades. But the two major scene changes, one either side of interval, were managed effectively and the first transition was greeted by spontaneous applause from the half dozen or so seated in the audience for this rehearsal.

There's no question the play is a period piece. The production acknowledged and paid due deference to this in costuming, set design, music and other respects.

While the play will appear dated to some, I think the Pullitzer was well deserved and this production does the play credit.

Cheers
Grant