Elwood P. Dowd doesn’t sweat the small stuff. In fact, for a guy who is fast friends with a 6-foot-tall rabbit that nobody else can see, he is pretty darn chill. And therein lies the charm of “Harvey,” which opened a five-weekend run last Saturday at Riverfront Playhouse.
Brian Storm, who is making his Riverfront debut as Dowd, fills his character with a perfect blend of innocence and warmhearted cheer. He’s such a treat to watch on stage that you find yourself rooting for him and Harvey, his maybe-imaginary lapin friend.
Brian Storm (as Elwood P. Dowd), left, and Elsie Ritchie (as Mrs. Chauvenet)
Of course, Dowd’s easy, unquestioning acceptance of Harvey does not sit well with his sister Veta (played by Riverfront veteran Jonessa Brittan) and niece Myrtle Mae (a nice turn by the versatile Saralysette Ballard of Red Bluff).
Dowd’s courtly habit of introducing Harvey to everyone he meets is putting a major crimp in Veta’s efforts to propel Myrtle up the social ladder and, ultimately, into the arms of a suitor. Their solution? Get the poor guy committed to a sanitarium.
Jonessa Brittan (as Veta Simmons), left, and Saralysette Ballard (as Myrtle Mae Simmons)
It’s at the sanitarium where Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-winning story picks up its warmth and humor, as the family and hospital staff begin to question just exactly who is delusional.
Nicholas Brown, another fresh face at Riverfront, shines as the young Dr. Sanderson and his interactions with Nurse Kelly (played by Micayla Whitmer, a budding talent from Foothill High) are a joy.
Elsie Ritchie threatens to steal a few scenes in her twin roles as the socialite Mrs.Chauvenet and Mrs. Chumley, the fading flapper who is married to the psychiatrist, Dr. Chumley. Ritchie, a retired dance and drama instructor, was last seen at Riverfront as a pregnant nun in “The Dixie Swim Club.”
Elsie Ritchie (as Mrs. Chumley) and Brian Storm
Richard Grace was cast as Dr. Chumley and his high school, college and community theater experience showed. It was fun to watch his character’s air of self-importance begin to waver after spending some time with the effervescent Dowd.
Bill Siemer used his lanky frame to good effect as Judge Gaffney, the family attorney who has a soft spot for Dowd and his furry friend. The “Harvey” cast includes Ed Sulpice as the orderly Wilson, Grayden as the cab driver Lofgren and Alexus Brox as a maid.
“Harvey” is directed by Jennifer Levens, who says in her program notes that the play is about “acceptance, a very important ability in today’s world view.”
Micayla Whitmer (as Nurse Kelly), Elsie Ritchie, Nicholas Brown and Richard Grace (as Dr. Chumley)
If you’re going:
“Harvey” continues at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Feb. 14 with 2 p.m. matinees Sunday and Feb. 8. Tickets are $17 ($22 for closing night) and available by calling 243-8877 or visiting www.cascadetheatre.org. Riverfront Playhouse is located at 1620 E. Cypress Ave. in Redding. To learn more, visit www.riverfrontplayhouse.net.
Photos by Jon Lewis.
Jon Lewis is a freelance writer living in Redding. He has more than 30 years experience writing for newspapers and magazines. Contact him at jonpaullewis@gmail.com.
