Laughter Like Music at Marblehead Little Theatre's "Harvey"

He’s my brother’s six-foot-tall bunny friend.

Marblehead Little Theatre welcomes audiences to “Harvey,” a 1944 Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by Mary Chase. Elwood P. Dowd’s best friend is Harvey, an invisible six-foot-tall white rabbit. Concerned for his mental health, his family attempts to commit Elwood to a sanitarium, only for a humorous mishap to occur.

Laughter rang out like music during Marblehead Little Theatre’s production of “Harvey.” MLT’s production is a delightfully whimsical show that has excellent comedic talent. Although silly, there’s a meaningful message. Regardless of someone’s ideas or philosophy, we should take the time to listen and be open-minded.

David Foye plays Elwood P. Dowd, an eccentric, polite, and sincere man. Foye is a delight. He is funny in his deliveries, and he brings such an earnest quality to the stage. Elwood is kind to everyone he speaks with and makes sure no one is left out. Despite his questionable mindset, Elwood’s kindness is so refreshing.

Veta (Susan D. Garvey) goes through the wringer throughout the story. Her animated telling of her brother’s imaginary friend leads to a mix-up. Veta’s stressful recount of the crazy shenanigans that occur later in the show was hilariously delivered by Garvey.

Nurse Ruth Kelly (Mary Sapp), Dr. Lyman Sanderson (Joshua Marcena), and Flynn MacCallum (Duane Wilson) keep the hospital in order as best they can, but make some mistakes. Wilson’s physical comedy was a riot as he ran and jumped all around the stage.

Similar to Foye’s portrayal, Bill E. Brauner reflected a kind tone as Doctor Chumley. Doctor Chumley is not quick to call someone crazy and gets to know Elwood (and Harvey). Brauner’s facial reactions accentuated hysterical, shocked reactions.

Other characters include Veta’s daughter, Myrtle (Niko King Mahan), who just wants her own life. Aunt Ethel (Trudi Olivetti) has no idea what to make of the situation. The bubbly Betty Chumley (Kristy DiScipio) makes an honest mistake in the situation. Judge Gafney and E.J. Lofgren leave their own advice to the situation.

MLT’s technical design adds a distinctive charm to “Harvey.” My favorite element was the storybook drawings used for backgrounds, detailing doors, a bookshelf, and windows. The sound and lighting design work enhances comedic moments. Costumes by Laura Dillon and wigs capture the period style and add to the characters’ personalities.

“Harvey” is the comedy we need right now. Director Katie Meuse generated hilarious reactions from actors in scenes. What’s funnier is that most of the situations happen offstage. Imagining what happens is funnier than seeing it.

In response to one scene, the audience roared with laughter for a good thirty seconds. With all the stress going on in the world right now, listening to laughter was music to the ears. Every scene was one laugh after another. It’s a humorous and silly show.

Amidst the silliness, “Harvey” does have a meaningful message, as Meuse perfectly describes. “It is easy to go about your life in this often harsh reality we live in and lose your belief in magic,” Meuse said.

Mental health plays an important role in “Harvey.” This is a trait that should not go unnoticed in this story. At the time this play was published, mental health was not taken seriously like it is now.

It was nice to see Elwood’s family or doctors helping him in the best possible way, rather than being mean-spirited. It’s important to listen to someone’s ideas and think about the person’s well-being.

“Harvey” has one last weekend at Marblehead Little Theatre ending on Sunday, April 18. Follow the bunny footprints and take your friends to see the show. You may also get to meet Harvey.