TV: Jim Parsons and the Cast of HARVEY Reflect on Opening Night!

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Roundabout Theatre Company's production of Mary Chase's Harvey officially opened last night, June 14, 2012 for a limited engagement through August 5th, 2012, and BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there to celebrate with the cast. He spoke with Jim Parsons, who said opening night ws fun but he's glad the pressure is over, as well as Jessica Hecht, Charles Kimbrough, Morgan Spector, Holly Fain, Larry Bryggman, Peter Benson, Angela Paton, Tracee Chimo, Rich Sommer and Carol Kane. Watch the video, which includes highlights from the production along with the interviews!

Roundabout Theatre Company in association with Don Gregory, presents the new Broadway production of Harvey, starring Jim Parsons (Elwood P. Dowd), Jessica Hecht (Veta Louise Simmons), Charles Kimbrough (William R. Chumley, M.D.), Larry Bryggman (Judge Omar Gaffney), Carol Kane (Betty Chumley), Peter Benson (E.J. Lofgren), Tracee Chimo (Myrtle Mae Simmons), Holley Fain (Ruth Kelly, R.N.), Angela Paton (Mrs. Ethel Chauvenet), Rich Sommer (Duane Wilson), and Morgan Spector (Lyman Sanderson, M.D.). The production is directed by Scott Ellis.

Parsons stars as one of modern theatre’s most lovable characters, Elwood P. Dowd. Charming and kind, Elwood has only one character flaw: an unwavering friendship with a 6-foot-tall, invisible white rabbit named Harvey. In order to save the family’s social reputation, Elwood’s sister Veta (Jessica Hecht) takes Elwood to the local sanatorium. But when the doctors mistakenly commit his anxiety-ridden sister, Elwood — and Harvey—slip out of the hospital unbothered, setting off a hilarious whirlwind of confusion and chaos as everyone in town tries to catch a man and his invisible rabbit.

Harvey was first brought to the Broadway stage in 1944 and was directed by Antoinette Perry. The play won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1944, and its initial run lasted for four years—1,775 performances. James Stewart assumed the role of “Elwood” from Frank Fay in the 1944 production and originated the role in the 1970 production as well as the film adaptation in 1950. Helen Hayes played “Veta” opposite Mr. Stewart in the 1970 production.