Cast readies for production of Harvey
Show about invisible rabbit sure to captivate audience

Tom Payne and David Spivey rehearse at the Peacock Playhouse for the upcoming production of "Harvey." The show opens to audiences Friday.

The Pulitzer Prize winning comedy "Harvey" opens May 18th at the Peacock Playhouse in Hayesville. This charming play tells the story of gentle, kind Elwood P. Dowd who happens to have a six-foot tall invisible rabbit as his best friend. His sister and her daughter decide they have had enough embarrassment and decide to commit Elwood to a mental hospital to get rid of Harvey. Will Harvey ever leave? Surprises are in store.

Playing Elwood P. Dowd is Wayne Roshaven of Blairsville. Jimmy Stewart made this role a classic and Roshven is aware of what big shoes he must fill. He feels quite humbled by this opportunity. He is working hard making friends with Harvey and said he can already see him.

Roshaven has been in many productions at the Peacock Playhouse, but most recently he was seen in "Guys and Dolls" at Young Harris College. Singing is a big part of his life, and he is in a barbershop quartet called the Notteley Crew. He also sings in the barbershop chorus, High Country Harmonizers.

Murphy is well represented in HARVEY. Chuck Shissler plays the tough orderly at the mental institution. Shissler has been involved with the theater for five years. He has appeared in "Death of a Salesman," and two popular British comedies: "Don't Dress for Dinner" and "Run for your Wife." He also has worked with director Vianne Payne on "The Foreigner." A former board member, he has produced many shows.

Virginia Mattox plays Veta Louise Simmons, Elwood's stuffy sister who wants to get rid of Harvey once and for all. Mattox has been in many plays, most recently as the wife in "Blithe Spirit."

Tom Payne has taught clogging at the Folk School, but there will be no clogging for him in "Harvey." He plays Judge Gaffney, a family attorney who has been summoned by Veta to get Elwood to an institution where he will get treatment to remove Harvey forever.

Towns County is represented by Kay Thomas, a playhouse favorite, who plays Mrs. Chumley, the wife of Dr. Chumley who can't seem to deal with an invisible rabbit.

Popular actress Janice Minnette returns in the role of Nurse Kelly. Minnette is very versatile being an actress, dancer and singer. She sings professionally with a group.

Micah Robinson plays R.J. Lofgren, a cab driver. Robinson last appeared as Charlie in "On Golden Pond."

Be sure to make plans to see the show which runs May 18-20 and 25-27. Evening performances begin at 8 with Sunday matinees at 2:30. Tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for students. The box office will be open May 14-18 and 21-25 from 9 to 4. You can call for tickets at anytime: 877- 691-9906 or 828-389-8632.