The Auburn University Department of Theatre is embracing past decades to perform "Harvey" for their fall production.
Director Tom Aulino said "Harvey" is a production he has wanted to direct, so he suggested the play to the theatre department.
"I've loved it for many years and I think it has some wonderful things to say to modern audiences," Aulino said. "It's a deceptive play to do because it seems like it's just a simple, funny story about a rabbit, but it's really much deeper than that."
"Harvey" is about a middle-aged brother and sister who lived together in the 1940s. The brother, Elwood Dowd, has an unconventional companion for his best friend --- a 6-foot tall white rabbit named Harvey. Aulino said Elwood is the only one who can see the rabbit most of the time.
Elwood's sister's name is Veta.
"(Veta) has been thwarted at every attempt to fit in or re-engage herself with society because her brother sees a white rabbit and everybody would think he was completely crazy," Aulino said. "Her daughter is of age to think about getting married, and she's very concerned about getting a good match for her daughter."
The play unfolds in the timespan of one day, when Veta plans a social gathering at her house because she thinks that Elwood won't be home.
Elwood, played by Dan Larocque, comes home during Veta's party. Aulino said Larocque is the associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and a professional actor.
The cast consists of 12 actors who have all helped in the organization of the production.
Tracy Oleinick, costume designer, has production studio students help sew the costumes.
"We make everything, and buy everything," Oleinick said. "We've always got it. You don't teach (students) anything when you just rent a costume. You learn a lot when you make the costume."
The 1940s sets were designed by guest designer Matt Kizer.
Aulino said the set will be a realistic depiction of a grand library in a private home, and a realistic depiction of a sanitarium where Elwood is taken when they think there is no cure for his imaginary friend.
Michael Sanders, who plays Dr. Lyman Sanderson in "Harvey," said the play is meant to be a comedy that can be enjoyed by a wide range of age groups.
"The jokes are set to where everyone can get them," Sanders said.
Sander's character is a 27-year-old doctor whose confidence sometimes causes him to overlook things.
Sander's said he has never seen "Harvey" performed before, but he likes doing period pieces.
"It's just a lot of fun to kind of get out of the mentality of the 21st century and checking your cell phone every five minutes," Sanders said. "They all just spoke so much faster and they were off the cuff, and they threw so many comments in there so quickly."
The production will be held Nov. 14-15, 17, 19-22.
For ticket information, visit Auburn.edu/Theatre.
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