OKEECHOBEE — Although I have lived in Okeechobee for nearly fifteen years, nothing has made Okeechobee feel like my home quite like Okeechobee Community Theatre. We have a community here with so much to give: talent, passion, artfulness, willingness and much more. While this talent is a vital part on our stage and behind the scenes, the theatre is nothing without the attendance of its patrons. We are grateful for the continued support of our regular patrons and the attendance of anyone who may walk through the double doors of our theatre. You are what keeps us going.

 During the three months of rehearsals for our current production, Harvey, I have grown more passionate about promoting and talking about Okeechobee Community Theatre. This show has been a whirlwind of events, and the result it has given us is uplifting. Everything we do is worth the effort when presented to people who find joy in the arts, and that is what I have witnessed during Harvey. I am incredibly pleased to be working alongside such talented people who are willing to give their time and effort for the entertainment of others.

Harvey, a play originally written in 1944 by Mary Chase, has had several movie adaptations, one of which featured well-known actor Jimmy Stewart. Eighty years later, we hope to have produced an interpretation that is just as entertaining. With a director and leader like our own James Garner, who is assisted by Tina Welborn, I believe we have succeeded in that.

Preparations for our play began as far back as last summer, when Harvey was chosen as one of the shows for our 44th season. With our last weekend coming up, work is still being done behind the scenes to ensure its success. Our actors and volunteers continue to learn and improve their roles on the stage and backstage. It's become second nature to us.

Our theatre has a small stage, generally used for one-set plays. With the addition of a moving wall, we have created a set which can have two scenes. Backstage are the two stage managers, Martha Bucholtz and myself. Working alongside us are the stage hands, Starla Martin, Chloe McCullers, Adanya Oliveira and Damon Tyner. As a collective, we are able to make quick work of set changes.

 While the set creates the scene, our actors create the story. With the foundation of a script, they present not only the dialogue provided but the characters behind each line. Harvey has a cast of twelve, and no character portrayal is alike.

The main characters are played by Christian Garner and Katherine Hardy, who act alongside Grace Thomas, Martha Bucholtz, Bethany Garner, Katelyn Martin, Joey Marcinek, Josh Boon, James Garner, Robyn Garner, Mike White and Harry Moldenhauer. A mix of recurring and new actors, collectively they show talent in facial and vocal expression, improvisation, reactions, stage presence and memorability.

 I cannot forget to mention others who have volunteered their time and services, which include but is not limited to Laura Murray, Cesar Marin, Bobby McCostlin, Dakota Hampton, Dustin Moody, Trevor Teele, Robin and Harvey Newman, Caroline Crews, Jane Robards, as well as our many ushers.

 We hope you can make it to our final weekend of Harvey, this Friday, the 29, at 7:30 in the evening and Saturday, the 30th, at 2 o'clock. Tickets are available online through our website okeecommunitytheatre.com) or at our on-site box office up to one hour before showtime.

OKEECHOBEE -- Okeechobee Community Theatre's production of "Harvey" opened March 15 and runs through March 30. [Courtesy photo]

OKEECHOBEE -- Veta (Katherine Hardy) confuses Dr. Sanderson (Joe Marcinek) while trying to convince him to instituionalize her brother in Okeechobee Community Theatre's production of "Harvey." [Courtesy photo]

OKEECHOBEE – Dr. Chumley (James Garner, left) is fascinated with the magical creature that Edwood Doud (Christian Garner) has befriended in the Okeechobee Community Theatre production of “Harvey.” [Courtesy photo]

OKEECHOBEE – Edwood Doud (Christian Garner) greets Mrs. Ethel Chauvenet (Martha Bucholtz) as his sister Veta (Katherine Hardy) and niece Myrtle Mae (Grace Thomas) look on, in the Okeechobee Community Theatre production of “Harvey.” [Courtesy photo]

OKEECHOBEE – Edwood Doud (Christian Garner) is best friends with a giant, invisble rabbit in the Okeechobee Community Theatre production of “Harvey.” [Courtesy photo]

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