This week’s performance at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Loudon features the well-known storyline of “Harvey,” who is introduced as the rabbit friend of Elwood P. Dowd, played by Robert Harrison.
Although she has acted in at least seven performances with the theater in the past, Stacy Littleton will make her directorial debut in the play, and her mother, Betty Littleton, will give her first performance in Loudon.
“I actually have done theater before, but this is the first time I’ve acted here,” Betty said. “I’m actually playing Betty Chumley. It is hilarious, and it is a classic. The camaraderie with all of the actors has been great. It’s just fun. It’s a classic that a lot of people have seen in the past. It’s new faces. Even if you’ve seen the movie, it will be fun and exciting. It’s a great play and is good for all ages. Every age can come.”
Stacy said her favorite part of directing includes interacting with the cast.
“They’re fun to work with,” she said. “It’s easy to get them where they need to be on the emotional levels of the scene. They make my job easy.”
Stacy described the play as “splittingly funny” and compliments the cast for continually finding ways to make it even funnier.
“I’ve been sitting here for weeks in rehearsal, and I’ve been laughing every single time,” she added.
The play’s cast includes a number of seasoned actors as well as several new faces from Loudon and the Rarity Bay community.
Dave Polacsek, who plays Dr. Chumley, hails from Rarity Bay.
“I have been in a number of shows with the Rare Notes at Rarity Bay, even though I don’t sing,” he said, laughing. “For once, it was something I was able to do when I wasn’t traveling out of town. I’m Dr. Chumley. He’s the psychiatrist.”
He said one of the greatest challenges involves remembering all of his lines.
“It’s a funny play, and it’s coming up on almost 65-70 years old,” Polacsek said. “It has been done on Broadway, by movie and television. I believe there was a revival of it on Broadway not too long ago, if I’m not mistaken. It’s known as the sixth-longest play in Broadway history.”
Lora Bolt, a teacher at Loudon Elementary School, plays Nurse Ruth Kelly, while her daughter, Destinee Bolt, plays Myrtle Mae Simmons.
“Making friends is always my favorite part of it for me,” Lora said. “I think it’s funny and sentimental. It’s got a lot of heart. I grew up watching the Jimmy Stewart version. I really would have loved to play Veta, but being a school teacher I needed to be aware of my limitations. I didn’t want to be overwhelmed and planned it according to what I can do.”
Loudon resident Logan Joiner is Duane Wilson, the orderly.
“It’s hard to pick just one favorite part of being involved,” Joiner said. “Really, the cast is the best. This has been such a great group to get to know as I continue to do more acting. They’re so incredibly talented. I’ve learned so much from them. That’s probably the best part.
“It’s something anyone can enjoy,” he added. “I think it’s something that most people would enjoy and find heartwarming. It’s just a really well-done storyline.”
Performances will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Tickets are $13 at http://www.lyrictheatrecompany.org/tickets.html or for $15 at the box office.
