ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA -- Limelight Theatre announced the cast for its next main stage production as part of its 20th season -- the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Harvey by Mary Chase. Directed by Limelight Theatre co-founder and retired artistic director, Jean Rahner, Harvey will play on the Matuza Main Stage January 20 through February 12, 2012 (Preview is on Thursday, February 19).
Rahner retired from the Limelight in August of 2004, after having served as the first vice president, then as co-producer and artistic director. She is a graduate of the Flagler College Theatre Department and has been an actor, producer, director and public relations director for more than 30 years. She is the founder and president of A Classic Theatre Inc., a local theatre production company which produces classic and historic plays. Rahner continues to serve on Limelight Theatre's advisory board and also serves on the board of directors of the St. Johns Cultural Council, St. Johns County's local arts agency. Jean was recently awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Community Theatre Award by the Board of the Florida Theatre Conference.
"I wanted to direct Harvey back in 2000, but was never able to fit it into our already busy schedule," Rahner commented. "I found a note I had written inside the original script that I just received to reread that said: 'Harvey a yes! Fun show to do.' The only sad thing about directing this show now is that many of the actors, ushers and volunteers who helped us along the way are no longer with us. They would have loved to have worked on this show. But here we are today, during this milestone season for the theatre, with a strong cast and a perfect venue to produce this classic, loving play. It's going to be magical!"
The cast of Harvey includes:
Jessica Ferris as Myrtle May Simmons, Veta's daughter
Rosemary Dann as Veta Simmons, Elwood's sister
Jason Woods as Elwood F. Dowd, Harvey, the Pooka's owner
Elizabeth VanRensburg as Miss Johnson, the maid
Linda Mignon as Ethel Chauvenet, Elwood's aunt
Liz Haverty as Ruth Kelly, a nurse
Lou Agresta as Duane Wilson, Dr. Chumley's assistant
Kelly McTaggart as Lyman Sanderson, M.D., a doctor and Dr. Chumley's assistant
Don Runk as William Chumley, M.D., Elwood's doctor and Betty's husband
Nancy Grote as Betty Chumley, Dr. Chumley's wife
Frank Riccardo as Judge Omar Gaffney
Lawrence Hession as E.J. Lofgren, a cab driver
