Wellington High School is opening the curtain on the timeless play “Harvey.” The story is set in the 1940’s with a plot that centers around Elwood P. Dowd and a mysterious, imaginary rabbit of whom the play is named after. Dowd is being played by Anthony Altis, Harvey the rabbit on the other hand is portrayed just as the character’s description: imaginary. This brings up an intriguing challenge for the players on stage to react to a key character who isn’t giving them anything to react to.
Emily Rains, senior at Wellington, is playing the part of Myrtle Mae Simmons. Harvey is Rains’ seventh high school theatre production. “Hopefully it goes good,” she said. She also is looking forward to the potential of getting a big audience to perform for.
There are two chances to catch this high school production. The first is Friday, the doors open at 6:30 and the curtain draws at 7. Saturday is the last chance to see it, the doors open at 1:30 and the play starts at 2. Director and Drama teacher Dorathea Kelly says there has been some adjusting to the rehearsal schedule due to the football playoffs, but nothing too obstructing.
“It’s going pretty good,” said Kelly. “Everything’s up and running as to what we’re supposed to do.” One of the things the crew had to do was create a 1940’s atmosphere; a considerable challenge since 70-year-old furniture isn’t a practicality, an observation that has not hampered the director, cast or crew.
“Everything is as close to the forties as we can possibly get with the money concerns,” said Kelly. “As well as the kids abilities.” Tickets to Harvey are five dollars in advance, six at the door. Students and senior citizens get a special rate of four dollars in advance and five dollars at the door. Call the high school to purchase advanced tickets.
The rest of the cast bringing Harvey the rabbit to life includes Haley Rouleau, Kyle Roberson, Christian James, Colton Russell, Cheyenne Brook, Ben Ledesma, Ian Stallbaumer, Cori Wright, Kirsten Farley, Shelby Wiens, Erma Barnes, Audrey Lipton, and McKenzie Weakly.
The audience is also a key component of bringing Harvey the Rabbit to life. It’s only because of Elwood P. Dowd’s total belief in the imaginary rabbit that the other characters start to see him. No doubt by curtain calls, the crowd will be able to see him too. “Harvey is a classic, so it’s a familiar title for a lot of people,” said the director. “It’s a fun play.”
Wellington, Kan. —
