Community Theatre Tackles 23rd Full-Length Play: “Harvey”

Since 2016, Fayette County Community Theatre has been providing both a creative outlet and a source of entertainment for the public. Past performances like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Back to the 80’s, Drinking Habits, Peter Pan and Wendy, and The Great Gatsby” have established the nonprofit organization as an essential fixture in the community. This year, they are preparing to perform yet another entertaining production, their 23rd full-length play, “Harvey” by Mary Chase.

The comedy’s protagonist is a well-mannered gentleman named Elwood P. Dowd, played by Brandon Theut. Although likeable, Elwood has a strange quirk: he believes in the existence of a six-foottall, invisible rabbit, Harvey. He claims that Harvey is his best friend despite the fact that no one else can see the rabbit. Among the most concerned for Harvey’s sanity is his older sister, Veta Louise Simmons, played by Ellen Hardin. Unlike Elwood, Veta is known for her unrelenting efforts to avoid embarrassment and to uphold her reputation in the community. Her daughter and Elwood’s niece, Myrtle Mae Simmons, is played by Emily Hudson and mirrors her mother’s obsession with appearances and frustration with the protagonist’s behavior. Veta and Myrtle alike are concerned that Elwood’s obsession with his invisible best friend will affect the family’s social status. When Elwood begins introducing Harvey to everyone he encounters, Veta becomes more and more agitated, eventually sending her brother to a sanitarium.

This humorous story will quickly capture the heart of its audience; Elwood’s eccentric yet lovable and authentic disposition results in a play worth watching. FCCT is proud to feature both new and returning cast members in this performance. The directors, Kenneth and Julie Couch, have a heart for the community and have been excited to watch people getting involved with the theatre.

“I love getting to see the actors grow into these characters and bring them to life,” says co-director Julie Couch. “The teamwork that goes into each production fills me with joy as I see people from all walks of life come together for a common and entertaining goal. We work hard and have fun. It really doesn’t get better than that.”

The whole community is invited to attend Harvey at the Sanford Schmid Amphitheater located at 250 West Fair Grounds Road in La Grange, Texas. Tickets can be purchased online at www.fayettecountycommunitytheatre. com

or from FCCT’s Box Office located at 120 South Washington Street. General admission is $15 for adults and $10 for students. Attendees can also buy a VIP ticket for $40 Friday night only, and early seating Saturday and Sunday for $20. The show begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4, but the performance on Sunday, Nov. 5 will start at 3 p.m.

This performance is not the only thing Fayette County Community Theatre has been working on in 2023, though. They have provided opportunities for all age groups throughout the summer. To name a few, FCCT hosted a summer workshop for middle school and high school students. Instructors, college students, professors, and artists spent the week teaching about the foundations of acting, lighting and sound, voice and diction, and costumes and makeup. FCCT also provided meals for the students throughout the week including donated meals from local restaurants Reba’s and Alejandras. The workshop and student production were made possible by partnerships with ARTS for Rural Texas, Texas Women’s League, La Grange ISD, and La Grange Main Street & Visitors Bureau. This was an incredible opportunity for students to learn new skills, discover how to perform confidently, and explore their creative side.

Fayette County Community Theatre also participated in several local events, as they do annually, including Summer Movie Nights in La Grange, the Fayette County Fair, Trick or Treat on the Square, and Schmeckenfest. They have provided countless events and opportunities for the community throughout the year.

But the work of FCCT is far from over—Executive Director Heather Barthelme, the Board of Directors, and several other individuals who have been involved in community theatre recently gathered for a retreat at Lutherhill Camp to talk over the constant growing and changing of the organization. They also discussed how the theatre will continue striving to provide entertainment and creative opportunities for Fayette County over the coming years. A specific goal of FCCT is to begin preparing four productions per year instead of three. They also plan on creating a small group of individuals to perform one-act plays, skits, etc. at venues all across Fayette County. As far as opportunities for students go, the theatre wishes to build on the programming they currently offer for younger participants.

Fayette County Community Theatre has done so much for the public throughout the past seven years, and they are thrilled to continue improving their organization. Actors and volunteers alike are excited to continue bringing the joy of theatre to the community “and building community through play.”