UMW Presents the Comedy 'Harvey'

The University of Mary Washington presents "Harvey," a comedy about Elwood P. Dowd and his companion Harvey -- a six-and-a-half foot tall invisible rabbit.

Dowd's sister, Veta, is worried that if she does not get him committed he will ruin the family's social reputation. When she brings him to the sanitarium she is mistaken for a patient and is admitted instead. As the doctors try to right their wrongs, everyone begins to realize that Harvey may be more real than they ever anticipated.

The following Fredericksburg students are among the cast "Harvey":

Emily Burke of Fredericksburg is playing Myrtle Mae Simmons. Burke is the daughter of Robert Burke Jr., and Marjolijn Bijlefeld of Fredericksburg and is a 2011 graduate of James Monroe High School.  A sophomore majoring in theatre, Burke participated in Operafest 2012 and performed in UMW's production of "Talking With."

Jessica Lane of Fredericksburg, Va., is playing Miss Johnson. Lane is the daughter of Judy Lane of Fredericksburg and is a 2010 graduate of Stafford Senior High School. A sophomore majoring in theatre, Lane appeared in UMW's production of "Talking With."

Taryn Snyder of Henrietta, N.Y., has been selected to play Veta Louise Simmons. Snyder is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dane Snyder of Fredericksburg and is a 2010 graduate of Rush Henrietta High School. A sophmore majoring in theatre and music, she appeared in the UMW production of "Into the Woods."

Mary Chase, an American journalist and playwright, wrote "Harvey" in 1944. The play premiered on Broadway later that year and became one of the longest running shows on Broadway after nearly four and a half years of performances. Chase won a Pulitzer Prize for "Harvey" in 1945.

Performances will be Feb. 14 - 16 and Feb. 21 - 23 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. in duPont Hall's Klein Theatre. Tickets are $18 for general admission and $16 for students and senior citizens. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Klein Theatre Box Office at 540-654-1111.

UMW provided this information.