Reading Community Players will stage Mary Chase’s classic, award-winning drama “Harvey,” June 5 to 7, at the WCR Center for the Arts.
This warm, whimsical comedy follows the gentle, eccentric Elwood and his unseen companion, a 6-foot-tall rabbit who upends the expectations of a small town and reveals the surprising power of kindness and imagination.
Elwood P. Dowd is a genial, unflappable man whose best friend is Harvey, an invisible six-foot-tall rabbit. When Elwood’s sister, Veta, worries that his eccentricities are embarrassing, she tries to have him committed to a sanitarium. What follows is a nutty and comic unraveling of social pretenses as characters confront what it means to be normal.”
“Harvey stretches our definition of ‘normal’. You will meet a guy whose best friend is an invisible 6-foot rabbit, and somehow he’s the only normal one on stage!” cast member Nadine Poper said in the release.
Alex Dorscheimer will portray Elwood P. Dowd, pictured with his best friend, Harvey, an invisible six-foot white rabbit, during the Reading Community Players production of “Harvey” June 5 to 7. (Photo courtesy of Megan Martin)
The play balances broad comedy with tender moments, ultimately asking audiences to consider compassion, acceptance, and the value of seeing the world with wonder.
“Our audience will walk away smiling, for sure, and, hopefully, with a deeper understanding of how and why we should accept those around us who see the world through a different lens,” director Megan Martin said in the release.
The local cast of 11 has run into challenges bringing this Pulitzer-winning script to life.
“There are layers to these characters. Veta Louise in particular is so much more than she seems at first glance,” said Allison Schiding. “I really hope I am doing justice to her internal conflicts and her struggle to do what’s right by all the people she cares about.”
Emily Hershey, Allison Schiding, and Sean C. Hafer in the Reading Community Players production of “Harvey” at the WCR Center for the Arts June 5 to 7. (Photo courtesy of Megan Martin)
Also in comedy, timing is not always everything.
“To make a comedy come off as funny, you really need a sense of trust,” Dave Bitler said. “I think the cast understands that and is working hard to help each other make this the best show we can.”
Harvey is ideal for audiences who enjoy classic American comedy, character-driven stories, and theater that blends laughter with heart. The show is family-friendly for children and teens.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and can be purchased online at RCPstage.ludus.com. Flex passes for the 2026 season are also available with big savings. The WCR Center for the Arts is located at 140 N. 5th St., Reading. Free parking is available at 210 N. Fifth Street.
Contact the Reading Community Players box office at rcptheatre@gmail.com for further information.
Reading Community Players is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bringing quality theatre and arts education to communities. To learn more about the organization and its offerings, visit www.readingcommplayers.com.