Harvey will be performed at the Fore River Club in Quincy for two weekends in
November. If you have seen the movie with James Stewart you will recall that Harvey is a 6-foot, 3½ inch invisible white rabbit that befriends Elwood P. Dowd. Elwood is from an upper-class family but spends his days in bars introducing people to Harvey and helping them solve their problems, much to the chagrin of his sister, Veta Louise, who just wants Elwood to be "normal" Veta attempts to have Elwood committed to Chumley's Rest, but things do not go as planned. Elwood is a special character and through his kindness we learn what it is to be human. The themes in this play are timeless and Elwood P. Dowd is a calming force in a crazy world.
Auditions will be SUNDAY AUGUST 9, 2026 at 2 PM or TUESDAY AUGUST 11, 2026 at 6:30 PM.
All auditions are in meeting rooms at the Thomas Crane Library in Quincy MA.
CALLBACKS, if needed, will be on THURSDAY AUGUST 13, 2026. Sides will be available at the auditions. Please bring a resume and headshot. No prepared monologues will be required, but you are welcome to share one at the
auditions.
The show dates are November 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 2026 at the Fore River Club-
16 Nevada Rd, Quincy, MA 02169
More information is available at https://thaliatheatertroupe.org/
For questions email: edkrasnow@gmail.com
ELWOOD P. DOWD (M, 40s–60s): A genial, gentle, eccentric man whose best friend is an invisible rabbit named Harvey. Elwood has been successful in business but has chosen to simplify his life helping others. Actor qualities: Warmth, kindness, sincerity, comedic subtlety, strong timing. Notes: Elwood is never played as “crazy” or "simple"—his kindness is genuine and grounded.
VETA LOUISE SIMMONS (F, 40s–60s): Elwood’s social-climbing sister, constantly exasperated by his behavior. Veta is emotional and strong-willed.
Actor qualities: Strong comedic chops, emotional range from frantic to heartfelt.
MYRTLE MAE SIMMONS (F, 18–30): Veta’s daughter, desperate for a normal family image to secure her social future. Frustrated with her Uncle Elwood.
Actor qualities: Energetic, expressive, youthful, subtle comedic timing.
DR. LYMAN SANDERSON (M, 25–40): A young, ambitious psychiatrist at Chumley’s (Rest) sanitarium has feelings for Nurse Kelley but doesn't know how to show it. Actor qualities: Professional demeanor with dry humor; romantic chemistry with Nurse Kelly.
NURSE RUTH KELLY (F, 20–35): A kind and competent nurse in love with Dr. Sanderson but frustrated by his inability to show affection.
Actor qualities: Warm, genuine, grounded, capable of balancing romance with farce.
DR. WILLIAM CHUMLEY (M, 40–70): Head of the sanitarium; authoritative, self confident, sometimes stressed, and ultimately transformed by Harvey’s influence. Actor qualities: Strong stage presence, ability to pivot from serious to comedic.
JUDGE GAFFNEY (M or F, 40–70): The Dowd family’s lawyer and trusted friend.
Actor qualities: Solid, grounded, gravitas mixed with warmth.
E.J. LOFGREN (M or F, any adult age): A down-to-earth cab driver with a surprisingly philosophical take on life.
Actor qualities: Down-to-earth, strong monologue delivery.
DUANE WILSON (M, 20–50): –The muscle of the sanitarium; blunt, practical, often comedic.
Actor qualities: Physicality, gruff charm but likable.
MRS. ETHEL CHAUVENET (F, 50 –70): A wealthy friend from a socially elite family. She is sophisticated and elegant.
Actor Qualities: Socially commanding, with comedic timing. (Appears in Act 1 only and may double with Betty Chumley.)
BETTY CHUMLEY (F, 40-70): Kind and talkative wife of Dr. Chumley, she is warm and friendly. Actor Qualities: Outgoing and slightly concerned with social niceties rather than professional seriousness. (Appears in Act 2 only. May double as Mrs. Chauvenet.)
MISS JOHNSON (F, Age Open): The maid in Veta Louise Simmon’s household.
Actor qualities: Sharp, clear, and able to complement other characters’ comedic beats. (Very brief appearance, largely confined to Act 1.)
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