Harvey

Holden Street Theatres, in presenting Harvey written by Mary Chase and directed by Rosie Aust, has produced as fine an example of accomplished, nuanced acting and direction as one might hope to see in Adelaide.

From a strong cast top honours must go to Rebecca Kemp in her portrayal of Veta Louise Simmons, a woman who veers from somewhat haughty self confidence to an hysterical desperation, without ever slipping in to melodrama. 

Ron Hoenig as Dr Chumley is superb as the officious psychiatrist reduced to a shevelled wreck, eventually recapturing his equilibrium. The other psychiatrist  Lyman Sanderson, played by Christopher Bordeaux, is the perfect foil, in his assumption that younger, therefore more up-to-date, is better, a view reinforced by  the nurse Ruth Kelly (Antoinette Cirocco) until she sets him straight. 

We must not forget Harvey the six foot something white furry rabbit, which has become the best friend of Elwood P. Dowd. Peter Goers portrays Elwood as a pleasant, unassuming and incredibly sociable man who is vaguely perplexed that no one else seems to warm to his new friend. Is Harvey an hallucination, or is he a Pooka? Goers is totally assured and convincing in this role, seemingly unaware that his new friend is causing so much confusion and embarrassment to his family. Yet, one wonders if there is not a mischievous twinkle in his eye, along with his affability and friendliness.

The costumes are absolutely right for a comedy set in 1944, an array of fur coats on the rich women, gorgeous hats and distinctive shoes. The ingenious set change works with a minimum of disruption.

We are taken into another era, in one sense, through the language and attitudes. 

In another sense Harvey brings us to the present, where we question just what is important in society and our place in it. There are plenty of laughs but as all good plays, tragedy or comedy must, there are questions raised and matters  for the audience to ponder.

The Studio   Holden Street Theatres 

4-22 November