Over two weekends in March, audiences at The Matthews were treated to an unforgettable journey into kindness, whimsy, and heart with our community theater production of Harvey.
This classic comedy, written by Mary Chase and centered around the charming Elwood P. Dowd and his invisible rabbit friend, invited us all to pause, laugh, and remember the beauty of seeing the world—and each other—with gentler eyes.
More than 660 guests joined us for the run, filling the house with laughter, curiosity, and heartfelt applause. While we didn’t sell out any single performance, the community spirit was unmistakable in every audience. Whether it was first-timers to the theater or longtime patrons, Harvey resonated across generations with its timely reminder that imagination, kindness, and connection matter more than ever.
Our cast brought this story to life with talent, joy, and deep care for the characters they portrayed. From Randy Bender’s thoughtful portrayal of Elwood to Shirlene Joseph’s commanding and comedic turn as Veta, the performances were filled with nuance and heart. Under the direction of Jon Steven Wiley, the show found a perfect balance between humor and reflection, earning praise for its pacing, depth, and ensemble chemistry.
We’re especially grateful to our community sponsors—Coeur Mining, Spearfish Insurance Brokerage, Monument Health, Stadium Sports Grill, American Family Insurance—whose support helped us keep this production affordable and accessible.
Finally, we extend heartfelt thanks to our volunteers, in-kind supporters, and crew—including Munro Earthmoving, Donovan Plumbing, and Marcus Custom Builders—for donating materials and labor that made our set shine.
Producing Harvey wasn’t just about putting on a play. It was about gathering together—audience, actors, crew, and supporters—to share a story that’s funny, moving, and just a little magical. We’re proud of what we created, and even more proud of the community that made it possible.
Stay tuned—more theater is coming soon.
