THEATER REVIEWS : Broad Humor Overwhelms ‘Harvey’

LA HABRA —  The gentle whimsy of “Harvey” collides with rough-and-tumble humor at the La Habra Depot Theatre, leaving Mary Chase’s comedy bruised and swollen.

Director Larry Blake likes the big gesture and so, apparently, does his cast. Almost everyone goes for broad strokes that too often work against the flimsy sweetness of this 48-year-old Pulitzer Prize-winning chestnut, about a lovable eccentric and his imaginary rabbit pal.

Only William Engle, in the central role of ever-smiling Elwood P. Dowd, captures the appropriate tone of bemusement and quiet glee. But his performance isn’t enough to save the show.

All the near-slapstick arch looks, loud voices and antic mannerisms don’t leave the play much room to breath. We’re supposed to be seduced by Elwood’s refusal to conform to society’s narrow idea of what is correct and sane. He’s plenty happy, thank you, just digging imaginary Harvey and loping along beside him through life’s tiny adventures.

Engle makes his first entrance with a goofy countenance that lets us know that Elwood’s as harmless as that bunny of his, that he’s a great guy and that everybody should just leave him alone. So what if he’s crazy? Chase’s obvious message is that we need more craziness in this world, especially this benevolent kind.

But Elwood’s family--especially sister Veta Louise (Joan Neubauer) and niece Myrtle Mae (Ginger Francis)--are social climbers who find him a real embarrassment. So they decide to have him committed, and that’s when the hi-jinks start. But they’d better be muted, somewhat reflective hi-jinks, or it all gets pretty numbing.

Neubauer and Francis aren’t the only ones who could tone down their performances. Holly Lynn Wolcott as nurse Kelly, Walter DuRant as Dr. Sanderson, Tony Grande as Dr. Chumley and Nolan Ballin as Judge Gaffney all are too generous with the hokum.

On the technical side, Larry Watts revolving set (showing both the sanitarium and the library of the Dowd family mansion) isn’t bad, and his costumes are decent, lending a period look.

* “Harvey,” La Habra Depot Theatre, 311 S. Euclid St., La Habra. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m through April 10. $8 to $10. (310) 691-8900 or (310) 905-9708. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.

Ginger Francis: Myrtle Mae Simmons Joan Neubauer: Veta Louise Simmons William Engle: Elwood P. Dowd Georgina Lewis: Mrs. Ethel Chauvenet Holly Lynn Wolcott: nurse Kelly Marty J. Maurer: Duane Wilson Walter DuRant: Dr. Sanderson Tony Grande: Dr. Chumley Jane Nunn: Betty Chumley Nolan Ballin: Judge Gaffney Dennis Montgomery: E.J. Lofgren

A La Habra Depot Theatre production of Mary Chase’s comedy, directed by Larry Blake. Sets and costumes: Larry Watts. Lights: Brad Steward. Stage manager: Barbara Ashley.