Revolution Theatre Productions to bring Harvey to SS&A Albury

The campaign wheels were only starting to turn ahead of the US election and the global pandemic was brewing in the background.

Gibbs approached Revolution Theatre Productions 18 months ago to direct Harvey.

"As the US election ramped up the mood was pretty bleak and we needed something positive," he said.

"I have always loved Harvey; the play and the film."

Harvey is a 1944 play by the American playwright Mary Chase, who received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the work in 1945.

It has been adapted for film and television many times, most notably in a 1950 film starring James Stewart and Josephine Hull.

The story centres around Elwood P Dowd, who claims to have an imaginary friend Harvey, a six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch (192-centimetre)-tall rabbit, and his social-climbing sister Veta, who decides to have him committed to a sanitarium.

Gibbs said the heart-warming story would resonate with audiences now more than ever.

"Elwood, through this idea of Harvey the rabbit, exudes positivity and warmth; he accepts people for who and what they are," Gibbs said.

"At a time when a lot of people have been alone, we could all use this rabbit in our lives!"

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Gibbs said the 12 Border-based cast, which comprised Columban Cox (Elwood P Dowd) and Rose Sexton (Veta), had reverted to Zoom rehearsals when required by restrictions.

"This is a dream play," he said.

"I feel like I got a dream cast for it too.

"We want it to be the little play that could.

"It's a play about optimism.

"Everything is in flux right now; we're getting through on a wing and a prayer!"

Gibbs said SS&A Albury had backed them to run the season next month.

"SS&A has been very enthusiastic; they wanted to be involved in community theatre," Gibbs said.

"It's been a match made in heaven."

Revolution Theatre Productions is the fundraising arm of Albury Wodonga Community Chest Incorporated.

Fifty per cent of the profits from shows go to Border charities. Recipients have included Belvoir Special School, Wewak Street School, Mercy Health, Betty's Place and Albury Wodonga Cancer Foundation.

Harvey will run at SS&A Albury on Thursday, August 19, at 7.30pm, (show only); Friday, August 20, at 7.30pm (dinner and show or show only); and Saturday, August 2, at 2pm and 7.30pm (matinee and dinner and show or show only). For bookings visit revolutiontheatreproductions.org or ssaclub.com.au/ticketed-events/

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