Take a trip down the rabbit hole and back to the 1940s with The Naples Players’ (TNP) upcoming hilarious production all about loyalty, friendship, and acceptance: Harvey.

Friendship comes in all shapes and sizes – at least, that’s what 47-year-old Elwood P. Dowd and his very best friend, Harvey, believe. The only challenge? Harvey is an invisible, 6-foot-tall rabbit. 

The classic Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway and Hollywood comedy written by Mary Chase pulls laughter out of the hat at every turn. Made popular by the movie starring Jimmy Stewart, Harvey is showing from January 10 – 28 at Naples United Church of Christ in McSpadden Hall.

Harvey is a six-foot-tall rabbit invisible to everyone except Elwood, much to the exasperation of his sister, Veta. In order to save the family’s social reputation, Veta takes Elwood to the local sanatorium. But when the doctors mistakenly commit his anxiety-ridden sister, Elwood – and Harvey – slip out of the hospital unbothered, setting off a hilarious whirlwind of confusion and chaos as everyone in town tries to catch a man and his invisible rabbit. 

Deftly directed by Paul Graffy, audiences will be immersed in the whimsical world of Elwood P. Dowd and his best friend Harvey, a six-foot invisible “pooka” (a fairy spirit in animal form). Director Graffy is joined by the following team of industry professionals: scenic designer Jason Wagaman, lighting designer Chris Riley, sound designer Sean McGinley, costume designer Dot Auchmoody, properties director Amy Hughes, stage manager Jules Branche, and assistant stage managers Lloyd Adams and Nancy Hayer. 

Jody Cameron, playing Elwood P. Dowd, is joined by a local all-star cast including: EMILIE BAARTMAN, CHRISTIAN CONN, ALANNA DACHILLE, SHELLEY GOTHARD, DENISE HOEFICH, JOHN KAMP, RON PIRRELLO, MATT SCHWABAUER, CYNTHIA SEPICH, and ASEEM UPADHYAY.

From January 10 – January 28, 2024, performances are Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Harvey will be performed offsite at Naples United Church of Christ in McSpadden Hall while The Naples Players’ historic 5th Ave S building undergoes a $20 million renovation. General tickets are $49, and season ticket holders are offered a price of $39. Those interested can visit NaplesPlayers.org anytime or call the TNP Box Office at (239) 263-7990.