BWW Reviews: HARVEY at Arvada Center

A six-foot rabbit is not something that goes unnoticed. That is, unless it also happens to be invisible. Despite the fact that Elwood P. Dowd is the only man who sees him, Harvey is certainly a very large presence at the Arvada Center.

Harvey is a dated script, but not one to ignore, as Gavin Mayer and the production team at Arvada Center prove with this show. While the film version of the play, starring Jimmy Stewart, was one of great notoriety, the original Broadway opening of the show earned author Mary Chase a Pulitzer Prize in 1945.

The show features a classic comedic romp as Veta and Myrtle Mae Simmons are plagued with the overly-cheerful antics of Elwood P. Dowd, and his invisible friend, Harvey. Kate Gleason (Veta) and Missy Moore (Myrtle Mae) play a fantastic duo of harried socialites, while Torsten Hillhouse masterfully animates Veta's carefree brother, Elwood, with charm. The bumbling doctors of the mental institution, where Veta tries to have Elwood committed, are fantastic with comedic timing. Graham Ward (Dr. Sanderson), Jeffrey Roark (Dr. Chumley), and Audra Blaser (Rut Kelly) make up a haphazard trio of medical staff that keeps the audience laughing throughout the show.

Arvada Center has accepted quite a challenge with their production of Harvey. Audiences have enjoyed the show for decades, and because of that, a show can become commonplace and dull. However, this is definitely not the case for this production of the old favorite. The actors have all brought new life to classic characters, and have very nicely revived this great show. A special thanks to Brian Mallgrave, whose innovative set and set change scenes made for a magical theatrical experience. So often do theaters hide the scene changes in the dark, but the two locations in the show magically transform with the help of a spritely stage crew in plain view, and the result is stunning.

If you haven't seen the film, or have never seen Harvey on stage, you are certainly overdue. And if you are familiar with the show, I would definitely suggest checking out this fun, lively production of the old classic.

Harvey plays the Arvada Center Black Box Theatre Jan. 27-Feb. 22. Tickets start at $38. For tickets and info, go online to arvadacenter.org or call 720-898-7200.

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