Harvey
at St. Thomas Aquinas High School

Reviewed on March 13, 2010

Alyssa Sicard
Deerfield Beach High School
Submitted for publication to

This Saturday, St. Thomas Aquinas High School's production of "Harvey" brought out the believer in all of us. The quirky show evoked the feeling that in a tough situation sometimes the best thing to do is to believe in the impossible.

"Harvey" by Mary Chase was written and shown on Broadway in 1944. It tells the story of a kind-hearted man named Elwood P. Dowd (Billy Garcia) whose only flaw is that his best friend happens to be a six-and-a-half-foot tall rabbit named Harvey. His sister and niece plan to have him committed to the mental institution in order to preserve the family's reputation, but in the process his sister, Veta Louise Simmons (Megan McMullen), realizes that perhaps it is better to be eccentric than it is to be "normal."

Billy Garcia played Elwood with a gentlemanly sincerity that set him apart from the rest of the cast. As the play progressed he became more and more confident in his character.

While the actors generally portrayed their characters well, there was not always a natural flow. Whereas the dramatic timing was not always perfect, the comedic timing was spot-on. The most notable were Spencer Robelen as Dr. William Chumley and Megan McMullen as Veta Louise Simmons. Memorable and convincing featured roles also contributed to the success of "Harvey." Paulina Pecic characterized the old friend of Elwood's, Mrs. Chauvenet, with noteworthy poise and elegance.

The creative tech added depth to the play. Designed by Kelsie Taggart, the "sanitarium" set was startlingly white and fit well with the scientific personalities of Dr. Sanderson (Alberto Rosende) and Dr. William Chumley (Spencer Robelen). The music was effective and enhanced the actors' performances, and laudable because it was composed, performed, and recorded by Spencer Robelen himself.

The cast and crew commendably conveyed the theme that eccentricity is sometimes the same thing as sensibility -- especially when a "pooka" named Harvey is involved -- in St. Thomas Aquinas' production of "Harvey."

Corina Lander
The Sagemont School
Submitted for publication to

What do you do when your brother has an imaginary 6 and a half foot tall rabbit as his best friend? Well, after watching St. Thomas Aquinas High School's production of Harvey, then you'll know what to do.

Harvey was written by Mary Chase, and premiered on Broadway on November 1, 1944. This comedic straight play ran for 5 years, and was performed 1,775 times. Unfortunately the show closed on January 15, 1949. On October 13, 1950 this hilarious play became a movie, and won an Oscar and a Golden Globe.

The cast of Harvey grabbed the audience's attention with their great characterization and talent. Only having a 12-preson cast, well 13 (including Harvey), they had amazing stage presence and energy.

In the show, each character had great vocal delivery and character believability. Billy Garcia, Elwood P. Dowd, did a phenomenal job with his character; He was able to portray a nice and polite man who doesn't have any troubles in life. Also, he helped the audience locate Harvey with comedic, realistic gestures. Megan McMullen, Veta Louise Simmons, played the worried sister who only wants the best for her brother. Using a mature and sophisticated voice, made the audience understand and love her character.

Throughout the show, there were other characters who were also worried about Mr. Dowd. There was Dr. William Chumley (Spencer Robelen), Dr. Lyman Sanderson (Alberto Rosende), Nurse Ruth Kelly (Lauren Guiteras), and Judge Omar Gaffney (Jorge Martinez-Blatt); who all were loveable and hilarious. But, there was also the stuck-up niece, Myrtle Mae Simmons, who just wants her embarrassing uncle out of their home. This role was played by Lariza Ramsammy, and within the show, she used great facial expressions and posture for the character.

The production of Harvey had remarkable sets. Even though, the scene changes could have been faster, the crew cooperated with one another, and was able to get the job done. Each character's costume was well designed. It matched the time period perfectly, and the colors chosen were great for each character. The music of the show was performed by Spencer Robelen, who also added a few self- written scores. Each song matched the scene perfectly, which helped give the scene a specific mood, whether it was mysterious, gloomy, or pleasing.

With astonishing sets, marvelous costumes, and talented actors; St. Thomas Aquinas High School left the audience wanting more of this mischievous pooka.

Jessica Kent
Olympic Heights High School
Submitted for publication to

Fantasy vs. reality, sanity vs. insanity, and of course a six foot tall imaginary rabbit all intertwine in St. Thomas Aquinas High School's production of "Harvey." Written by Mary Chase, this comedy of errors is a thought provoking look at society and the effects of social structure on the human psyche.

As the winner of Pulitzer Prize in 1945, "Harvey" revolves around the life of Elwood P. Dowd, a seemingly polite and normal man whose one flaw is that his best friend is a six foot rabbit named Harvey. Referred to as a pooka, or mythical creature that takes on animal form, Harvey's presence leads to eventual chaos. When Elwood's sister Veta Louise Simmons decides to commit Elwood to the local sanitarium, the events that ensue are nothing short of unexpected.

St. Thomas Aquinas' production of this witty and poignant show was made possible through a true commitment by all the actors involved. The entire cast and crew worked well together, conveying the inherently important themes presented.

Leading the cast, Billy Garcia as Elwood P. Dowd gave a commanding and powerful performance. His comedic timing was matched by his honest line delivery and commitment to his confused character. As his sister Veta Louise Simmons, Megan McMullen's vocal inflections and character development were notable. McMullen truly commanded the stage with a natural stage presence. Larizza Ramsammy as Myrtle Mae Simmons understood her role and delivered each line with an infectious enthusiasm that was almost palpable.

As the esteemed Dr. William R. Chumley, Spencer Robelen gave a superb performance. His focus and commitment was evident throughout the duration of the performance. As Dr. Lyman Sanderson, Alberto Rosende truly captured the vitality of his role. Rosende displayed great dramatic levels throughout the production, thus providing a sense of balance amongst the chaos. As his love interest Nurse Ruth Kelly, Lauren Guiteras also added to an appreciation of the significance of the show through her complete concentration and focus throughout. The chemistry between Rosende and Guiteras was also notable. Supporting standouts included Kyle Lautenschlager (E.J. Lofgren) and Jorge Martinez-Blat (Judge Omar Gaffney).

Technically, this show was extremely appealing. The costumes and makeup were time period appropriate and added to the understanding of the societal standards of the time. The set was extremely functional and served the actors well. The scene changes, though lengthy were executed with great efficiency. The original music composition by Spencer Robelen truly added to the understanding of the motifs and themes present throughout the production. Minor problems included microphone malfunctions and a lack of diction.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School's production of "Harvey" was thought provoking and comedic. With its inspirational look at the squabbles and scandals present in high society life, "Harvey" recognizes that perhaps no one is really sane or insane and perhaps we find reality within our fantasy. After all, it's not everyday that one is confronted by a six foot tall rabbit leaning on a lamppost.

Ryan Juda
University School
Submitted for publication to

Pooka: (noun) a mischievous spirit in animal form, invisible to most. Pookas were only one of the many commodities in St. Thomas Aquinas High School's production of Harvey. Based on the 1950's movie, Harvey takes place in the bustling 1940's and revolves around the adventures of Elwood P. Dowd and his imaginary friend, Harvey, who not to mention is a six foot tall white rabbit. Throughout the production, the audience follows Elwood's (and Harvey's) endless escapades, while Elwood's sister, Veta, questions his sanity, and even her own, at times.

The original musical composition, written by student Spencer Robelen, was singularly outstanding and built the mood of the story eminently. Along with that, the sound, lead by Drew Fons and Dylan Orshefsky, and lighting, headed by Ryan Goodman and Matthew Reagan, ran flawlessly and only added to the story. The sizable yet meticulously edited set pieces created by Kelsie Taggart, whether it was in "The Dowd Library" or "Chumley's Rest" transported the audience right where they needed to be.

The eccentric Billy Garcia (Elwood P. Dowd) along with the quirky Megan McMullen (Veta Louise Simmons) masterfully played the leads with hilarious yet rich characterization. They both commanded the stage and never ceased to humor the audience. They were supported by the adorable yet comedic Lauren Guiteras (Nurse Ruth Kelly) and the unsmiling but witty Michael Formisano (Duane Wilson).

The comic relief was provided especially by Spencer Robelen, who took on the role of the kooky Dr. William Chumley, along with the zany Larizza Ramsammy (Myrtle Mae Simmons). Both amused the audience with their wacky and outlandish shticks.

All together, the cast and crew of St. Thomas's Harvey pulled off a humorous yet touching production. The ensemble was dedicated to the show, which was obvious to all. Thanks to the entire production team, this hoppin' play went of without a hitch.

Emily Goldberg
david posnack hebrew day school
Submitted for publication to

It was proven in a 1950's production that everyone needs a friend -- but no one ever said that a companion needs to be physically real. St. Thomas's "Harvey" pulled a rabbit out of the hat to reveal the comfort of a true friend.

"Harvey", set on stage in 1944, revolves around the life of forty-seven year old Elwood P. Dowd who was convinced he had found a friend for life; an invisible six and a half foot white rabbit, Harvey, and could not have been more content. His sister, Veta Simmons, however, was not as amused. With the help of two quirky psychiatrists, Veta and her daughter, Myrtle Mae, decided that they would make Elwood undergo absolutely anything to keep his imaginary companion, the essence of his happiness, out of his head, even if medication was the only way. After 1,775 stage performances, this humorous production proved that nothing is worth losing your source of comfort, even if that comfort is a tall, white rabbit that will always remain by your side.

The actors and crew of St. Thomas performed this demanding play with ease, supplying a sense of comfort that lingered throughout the Bienes Theatre this past weekend.

Billy Garcia was exceptional as the amiable Elwood P. Dowd. His comedic timing from scene to scene sparked a natural glow on stage, one that no nutty psychiatrist could ever medicate away.

As the nervous sister to Elwood, Megan McMullen was also a highlight on stage, portraying her demanding, older role with confidence. McMullen carried herself comfortably, keeping a consistent bubbly accent throughout the show, along with appropriate facial expressions.

Other notable performances came from Spencer Robelen as Dr. Chumely, the amusing psychiatrist and Alberto Rosende as Dr. Sanderson, the kinder medical fledgling. Rosende's character involved expressing concern and insight to his patients, and he followed through; his acting skills far from those of a beginner's.

Also, the chemistry between Rosende and Lauren Guiteras as Nurse Kelly stood out in their scenes together, for their connection was not only seen, but felt all over the theatre.

The time-appropriate sets from Kelsie Taggart complimented the actors' attires nicely, even with some of the costumes poorly tailored. The sharp scene changes were silent and managed well by the crew, though slightly delayed. The sound, run flawlessly by Drew Fons and Dylan Orshefsky, carried all of the dialogue throughout the performance. The comedic lines were timed perfectly, but some of the dramatic, significant moments of the show fell flat. The wide variety of talent, overall, outshined these minor technical flaws.

An imaginary friend may bring comfort to one, but a performance as genuine and humorous as "Harvey" brings comfort to all. The actors of Saint Thomas Aquinas grasped the deeper meaning of this comedic drama, proving that everyone in life needs a friend like "Harvey." Seeing this performance as it was truly meant to be, however, required no imagination.