FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 9, 2005

SFA to present 'Harvey'

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University Department of Theatre will present Mary Chase's "Harvey" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, through Saturday, Feb. 26, in W. M. Turner Auditorium as a part of the SFA College of Fine Arts' University Series.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play revolves around the good-natured, slightly inebriated Elwood P. Dowd and his imaginary friend Harvey, a six-and-a-half-foot rabbit. A comedic turn of events follows when Elwood's sister, Veta Louis, decides to have her brother committed to a sanitarium because of his delusions.

The play opened on Broadway in November 1944 and ran for four years. It was then immortalized in the 1950 film version starring Jimmy Stewart as Elwood and Josephine Hull as Veta Louise. Stewart revived his role in a 1970 television version in which Helen Hayes played his sister.

In the SFA production, Micah Goodding, Hallsville junior, plays Elwood, and Anna Forbes, British exchange student, plays Veta Louise.

Dr. Alan Nielsen, SFA professor of theatre and the play's director, said he and the cast are having a lot of fun with the production.

"It's a different kind of comedy, with lots of farcical elements," Nielsen said. "In fact, Chase wrote the play for a dear friend who had lost a loved one in the war. She wanted to cheer her up."

Written more than 60 years ago, Nielsen said the drama withstands the test of time by addressing society's chronic tendency to distrust anyone who seems different or abnormal. Interwoven in the comedic action is Chase's message of acceptance, that everyone should be allowed to march to a different drummer, he explained.

The director said the play also poses questions about what is and isn't normal, and he's using visual elements to emphasize that aspect of the drama.

B"We're contrasting black and white with color to assist the audience in making a distinction between what they regard as normal and abnormal," Nielsen said. "Visually, it is much like the movie 'Pleasantville.'"

The design staff for the show includes scenic designer Tomy Matthys, SFA associate professor of theatre; lighting designer Steven Shirey, SFA technical director; sound designer Roni Lias, adjunct faculty; and guest costume designer Val Winkelman, associate professor of theatre at Auburn University. Ruth Ramsey, Irving senior, is the show's makeup designer and dramaturg.

Prior to the opening night performance on Tuesday, Feb. 22, the SFA College of Fine Arts will host a 6:45 p.m. reception in Griffith Gallery to honor the show's corporate sponsor, Tipton Ford. At 7 p.m., Nielsen will give an informative talk on the production. The public is invited.

Tickets for "Harvey" are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students.

For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407or 888-240-ARTS.