Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 16, 1991 TAG: 9104160205
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ROBERT RIVENBARK/ SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Windom, a semi-regular on the popular "Murder, She Wrote" television series starring Angela Lansbury, was a natural to play Elwood, according to "Harvey" director Jim Hawes.
"We were looking for a vehicle for a guest star as part of our Guest Artist series," Hawes said. "We wanted a comedy, and `Harvey' is a great one. We found out Windom was available, and right away I knew he'd be perfect for Elwood. His soft voice, his courtly manner, his age - everything was right."
Windom's acting career has taken him from Broadway to Hollywood, where he was a supporting actor in 17 films, playing opposite Gregory Peck, Burt Lancaster, James Garner and other Hollywood legends.
He also starred in two TV series, "The Farmer's Daughter" and "My World and Welcome To It," the latter garnering him and the show Emmy awards.
More recently, Windom has toured the country in one-man shows about James Thurber and Ernie Pyle.
Windom said he was delighted to get the chance to play Elwood in the Radford production.
"`Harvey' is an antique, a classic, but it holds up very well, and it's a gentle comedy, and has a certain charm for that reason," he said. "I think it's going to be a lot of fun to do it."
Windom's role as Elwood stands in a long line of distinguished portrayals, beginning with the 1944 Broadway production with Frank Fay. That was followed by the film version with Jimmy Stewart, and numerous TV and stage productions over the years.
Hawes said Windom's interpretation of Elwood will be all his.
"I told Bill `This is your show,'" he said. "Interpret Elwood any way you want."
Elwood P. Dowd, everybody's favorite madman, is a gentle soul who insists he is followed around by a Pooka, or invisible rabbit, named Harvey. Elwood's sister Veta Louise finds Elwood an embarrassment, and has him committed to a sanitarium where a Dr. Chumley tries to cure him.
Elwood's charm and gentleness end up curing the good doctor of his own neuroses, and Elwood spreads good will and healing to everyone on the funny farm.
By curtain fall, it's clear Elwood is the sanest person in the play. As for Harvey, we're never sure whether he exists or not.
"`Harvey' has a sense of mystery about it that's hard to find in modern plays," Hayes said. "That's what gives the play it's special quality."
Windom will be supported in the production by Carolyn Leslie Bond as Veta Louise and Jody Ashworth as Dr. Chumley. Other players are Virginia Ruff, Carlyn Davis, Ed Elliott, John Harrell, Stephanie Turner, Rusty Cloyes, Sean Jessie, Michelle Machay, and Michelle Anthony.
Carl H. Lefko provides sets, lighting and technical direction, and Monica Weinzapfel provides costumes. The production is sponsored by the Special Projects Committee at Radford University.
Performances of "Harvey" at Porterfield Theater on the Radford campus begin a at 8 each night, April 22-27. Admission is free to students, faculty, and Radford staff with university indentification, and $3 for others.
All seats are reserved. Tickets are available at the theater box office, noon to 6 p.m. weekdays, and one hour before each performance. Call 831-5289 for more information.
HARVEY: 8 p.m. Monday through April 27 in Radford University's Porter Theater. $3. 831-5289.
by CNB