Harvey

By:  Natasha Murray

Salem State University Professor and Chairperson of the Theatre and Speech Communication Department, Celena Sky April was gracious enough to allow herself to be interviewed by Natasha Murrey of the Red Skies staff. During this interview, Professor April and Natasha discussed her role as director and the upcoming fall production of Harvey by playwright Mary Chase.

How does this play relate to the theme/elements of Halloween? Why does Harvey fit in perfectly with the fall season? 

CA: Well, there are magical elements in the show that are quite surprising and fun, in terms of the story, one of the characters, and how some of the things happen on stage. So, when I suggested the play particularly the students who were on our play selection committee in the department were thrilled with the idea. They were like, “Oh it’s so magical and what a perfect time to do it around Halloween!” 

What can audience members expect to see while watching Harvey? 

CA: Well, they are going to see a play set in 1944, which was when it written during World War II. It was a time when our country was at war ultimately in two theaters, Europe and in the Pacific. Mary Chase, the playwright wanted to write a play, an escapist comedy to help people laugh during a really sad and trying time in this country. Somehow at times, I even feel like we are at war in this country in every arena that I see—public discourse is just a battlefield. I don’t even recognize the country that I’m use to living in. It’s so bizarre. So, I feel like we need an escapist comedy to help us laugh. Audiences can hope to see a really funny play, that is laugh out loud funny.

Also, there is a really interesting character named Elwood P. Dowd. He is different, content, kind, a good listener, and respectful of all people, curious about differences, and not judgmental. 

How is Harvey different or similar to other/past Salem State University productions? 

CA: I think it’s different because of the magical element. It’s a sort of fantastical piece, which is something we don’t do very often. So, I think that’s really fun. I think the similarity is that I have an amazing, funny, talented cast of actors and theatre majors. We have some seniors, some underclassmen, and it's diverse in the casting, which is really fun. The quality is going be excellent. We have a guest artist in residence and an award-winning Boston light designer who is doing the lights for the show. I am really excited about that! I think it’s [the play] going to be really high quality. 

Why should students come to see Harvey? How will they be able to relate Harvey in terms of either theme-wise or character-wise? 

CA: Theme-wise because I think what I love about Harvey and the messages that Elwood and Harvey teach us is that we should have the freedom to be different, to be accepted on our terms, and to respect that people get to be different. I love that about this play that Elwood really allows individuals to be themselves and there is not that social pressure of—“you are acceptable” or “you are not acceptable”. He’s not embarrassed by anybody. He is a friend to everyone.

It’s funny you should ask that question because some of the actors and I were talking and we were saying that we hope that we are better people after being and hanging around these characters for while—hanging out with Elwood. It’s just so great to be around someone that unconditionally accepts us. It’s just that “I’m seen for who I am and it’s cool”. We just don’t get that in society right now. It’s a feel good play. Elwood is child-like and there’s a child-like quality and innocence to the play. It takes me back to my childhood. We are playing with that idea during rehearsals. It’s like that wonderful feeling when we were kids again.

Are there any plans of expanding the Sophia Gordon Theatre?

CA: It’s a 26-million dollar new theatre that we have had for one year. So, I don’t think physically changing anything like that. I think we are just going to keep doing fabulous things there with theatre, dance, and art. We could use the theatre as a gallery. English has done some poetry readings and things in the lobby. I think it will continue to a center for the arts as we see those kinds of things happen. Maybe expanding in content, but not in structure!  

What do you think of the current state of the new theatre? 

CA: I think it’s awesome and beautiful. I also think we are learning what it can do kind of like when you get a new car. You are like, “I didn’t know the seats were heated or that the roof opens!” So, I think we are having fun playing with that and getting to know that. We are still working on getting the staffing that we need in terms of having someone that is permanently and somewhat of the operations supervisor. We are still getting all the things we need, so it can be fully operational and trying to get it fully manned!

Harvey runs from October 18th to the 28th of October.