My relationship with "Harvey" goes back 35 years. VHS videotape was introduced commercially in the early 1980s and our family was excited to purchase and use this groundbreaking new technology. But - video rentals were restrictive and expensive. Then, to our excitement, the public library began lending out movies. The selection was not exceptional, and the "good" movies like "Star Wars" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" had three-month waiting lists. So one day my sister grabbed the only interesting tape left - Jimmy Stewart's wonderful "Harvey."
To this day I remember the joy of watching the classic story unfold. I have seen this movie dozens and dozens of times since - ask my wife and children who have been subjected to this - and it never gets old. It is a beautiful adaptation of Mary Chase's 1946 Pulitzer-winning play. Since high school - when Directing became my theatrical passion - I have longed to stage this show. It is truly my favorite play, fully of love and fun and deep-set meaning, but there's never been the right location or group of lovable goofballs available to make it happen - until now.
At its heart, "Harvey" is not just the story of a man who has an invisible but very real partner in crime. The play is about status - our place in the world, our social standing, our wealth - and how truly unimportant that is compared to the larger mysteries of life that God has given us. Hence the modern staging. "Harvey" with its beautiful costumes, quirky pacing, snappy dialogue and clever and fun plot twists, is traditionally set in the early 1950s. Seton's version has been updated to reflect today's challenges, specifically online status.
The use of modern cell phones and mobile internet in both the home and business show us how removed we are becoming from reality. Veta's deep-seated need to rise above her competitors in the social hierarchy causes her to fear and subdue the magic that is literally happening all around her. Myrtle May's desire for wealth and fame cause her to gaslight her family and manipulate her family into literally incarceratibg her gentle and kind uncle Elwood, who even the rough-edged Uber driver Lofgren calls "A sweet guy." Dr. Chumley would rather innoculate an innocent man with an experimental medication than share beauty and love with the world. And Harvey himself manipulates the technology to prove this point, showing that there are greater forces at play than anything our mortal minds can conceive.
Some comedy, huh! I told you it was deep. And yet it's also delightfully simple, with hilarious dialogue and profound little moments quietly snuck in when you least expect it. It is, in fact, simply perfect.
I cannot tell you the gratitude I feel for this marvelous, hilarious, resilient, hard working, amazingly talented cast. Special thanks go to Mrs. Caroll, who said Yes and As You Wish to our theatre programs... Bob Pennefather and his dedicated staff who support our shows so wonderfully... Vicky Zadnik, without which this entire play would have fallen apart... Maddie Zadnik, who directed some portions of the show and was a fantastic assistant and advisor throughout the process... my dear friend Heidi Santschi whose talents are inspiring. All of the adults and students who banded together in true Seton style to make this show a phenomenal success... All Saints for the use of technical equipment and risers and all sorts of things. And finally my wonderful bride of 28 years, Lisa, who helps me find the magic in the world every singe day.
Enjoy the show! Matt Moore, Director, Seton's "Harvey"
