“Harvey” reviewed by Frank Meccia

*** Long before it became a beloved film starring James Stewart, Harvey began as a stage play written by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Mary Chase. While I remembered fondly the 1950 movie and Stewart’s gentle portrayal of a man whose best friend is a six-foot-tall invisible rabbit, I did not realize until now that the play came first. Seeing it performed live reminded me why this story has endured for generations.

This 2½-hour production (with a 15-minute intermission) by the Saint Sebastian Players is a true delight. Performed on an intimate stage, the closeness of space enhances the warmth and humanity of the story. Under the direction of Lisa M. Ramos, the cast brings charm, timing, and heart to every scene.

Jeff Broitman as Elwood P. Dowd is perfectly cast. His extremely mild manner, pleasant demeanor, and unwavering belief that he is conversing with Harvey feel completely natural. Elwood never wavers in his kindness or courtesy, whether speaking to visible guests or his unseen companion. We learn that Harvey is a “Pooka” from Celtic lore — a mischievous spirit that can be either benevolent or troublesome — which adds a layer of folklore and whimsy to the story.

Elwood inherited the family mansion from his mother and shares it with his sister Veta, played with convincing refinement by Julie Utrup-O’Nan. Veta genuinely loves her brother but becomes persuaded by her daughter Myrtle Mae (Claire Rutkowski) that Elwood should be committed to a sanitarium so they can sell the house and move on with their lives. Myrtle Mae is wonderfully sharp-edged — unhappy, judgmental, and quick to find faults, and the audience immediately feels a delightful dislike toward her character.
Russ Gager shines as Judge Omar Gaffney, the estate’s executor, bringing authority and warmth to the role.

The biggest laughs arrive at the sanitarium run by William Chumley, played by Robert Dean. As the senior psychiatrist and owner, Chumley prides himself on discipline and order — but in his search for the missing Elwood, he begins to question his own certainty and, ultimately, finds himself believing in Harvey. Erin Gordon’s Nurse Ruth Kelly is charming and compassionate. Secretly in love with Dr. Sanderson (Eric S. Prahl), she discovers through Elwood that kindness and friendship can matter more than ambition. Tony Smyth, as the confused attendant Duane, provides steady comic relief.

The set design by Emil Zbella feels almost like stepping into a storybook, with scene changes flowing smoothly like turning pages. Scenic artist Pat Gager keeps everything functional yet visually pleasing.
Harvey is more than a comedy. Beneath the laughs lies a gentle message about compassion, acceptance, and the value of believing in things unseen — whether that means imagination, friendship, or simple human decency. In a world often driven by cynicism, this play feels refreshingly kind.

Performances take place at St. Bonaventure, located at 1625 W. Diversey in Chicago.

Parking is easy on the street or in the church lot. Enter on the west side of the building and look for the sign that says Harvey.

Tickets are $30 for seniors and $35 for adults.

Performances run on  Fridays and Saturdays  at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through March 8.

Info and tickets at: saintsebastianplayers.org
Harvey is a kind, gentle play that reminds us that sometimes the most “sensible” people are the ones who dare to believe. It is well worth seeing — and a charming evening of theatre you will truly enjoy.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Harvey”          photos by Laura Peterson