This spring, The Storm King School Performing Arts Department brought Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy Harvey to the Walter Reade Jr. Theatre for two memorable performances filled with humor and whimsical charm. Set in 1944, the play follows the story of Elwood P. Dowd, a kind and gentle man whose best friend happens to be Harvey—a six-foot, one-and-a-half-inch invisible rabbit.

As Elwood’s warm nature and unusual companion begin to disrupt the social ambitions of his sister, Veta Louise Simmons, she attempts to have him committed to Chumley’s Rest Sanitarium. A series of hilarious misunderstandings follow, turning the town upside down as doctors, nurses, and family members search for Elwood and question what is truly normal.

“Harvey is a play about kindness, imagination, and accepting people for who they are,” explained Performing Arts Chair Anne Fulton. “The students embraced both the comedy and the heart of the story, and they worked hard to bring the characters to life on stage.”

Santiago S. ’26 delivered a standout performance as the endearing Elwood P. Dowd, capturing the character’s warmth, sincerity, and understated wisdom with remarkable ease. Kaitlyn M. ’27 brought sharp comedic timing and vibrant energy to Veta Louise Simmons, perfectly balancing exasperation and affection throughout the play. As Myrtle Mae Simmons, Rebecca H. ’28 shone as the determined young woman desperate to preserve her family’s reputation and social standing.

Antonio M. ’26 entertained audiences as the distinguished yet increasingly flustered Dr. William Chumley, while Shaheer A. ’26 brought confidence, charm, and humor to the role of Dr. Lyman Sanderson. Kira S. ’28 gave a heartfelt and genuine performance as Nurse Ruth Kelly, grounding many of the play’s most touching moments. Brandon M. ’29 provided plenty of laughs as the devoted orderly Wilson, fiercely protective of Dr. Chumley.

Jackson T. ’28 fully transformed into the eccentric Judge Gaffney, Reese V. ’29 brought warmth and poise to the role of Mrs. Chumley and Lorelei D. ’29 added personality as Mrs. Chauvenet.  Elayna T. ’30 performed well as the maid and Regulus M. ’30 rounded out the cast as the cab driver who ultimately ensures that Elwood avoids the injection that would change his personality, helping bring the story to its heartfelt conclusion.

“Our cast developed wonderful chemistry throughout the rehearsal process,” Fulton said. “Comedy depends so much on timing and trust, and the students really supported one another on stage. They understood that beneath the humor, the play also has an important message about compassion and humanity.”

Behind the scenes, directors Anne Fulton and Sarah Fulton worked closely with students and crew members to bring the production to life. Technical Director and Set Designer Eliza Brown created the settings of the Dowd family mansion and Chumley’s Rest Sanitarium, while Eric W. ’27 designed lighting for the production. Special thanks also go to the sound crew, backstage team, and set construction crew, whose work behind the scenes helped the performances run smoothly and brought the world of Harvey fully to life.

Congratulations to the cast and crew for their outstanding performances and dedication to the production. Thank you as well to the faculty, staff, and families whose support and hard work helped make this year’s spring play a success.

Cast of Characters
Myrtle Mae Simmons — Rebecca H. ’28
Veta Louise Simmons — Kaitlyn M. ’27
Elwood P. Dowd — Santiago S. ’26
Miss Johnson — Elayna T. ’30
Mrs. Ethel Chauvenet — Lorelei D. ’29
Ruth Kelly, R.N. — Kira S. ’28
Duane Wilson — Brandon M. ’29
Lyman Sanderson, M.D. — Shaheer A. ’26
William Chumley, M.D. — Antonio M. ’26
Betty Chumley — Reese Marie V. ’29
Judge Gaffney — Jackson T. ’28
E.J. Lofgren — Regulus M. ’30
Harvey — Harvey

Production Staff
Directors — Anne Fulton, Sarah Fulton
Technical Director/Set Designer — Eliza Brown
Lighting — Eric W. ’27
Soundboard — Keiyona J. ’26, Owen G. ‘28