The Harding University Department of Theatre has announced the return of Searcy Summer Dinner Theatre, kicking off with “Harvey” June 10.
This summer will mark the community-based theatre program’s 38th season, with the theme “Escape from Reality.” As a precaution due to COVID-19, the program will limit seating and produce two shows instead of the usual three.
“After being forced to shutter the 2020 season due to COVID-19, the department is excited to welcome back the award-winning, community-based program for 2021,” Dr. Steve Frye, chair of the theatre department, said.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Harvey” tells the story of Elwood Dowd, who repeatedly invites his friend, Harvey, to social gatherings held by his sister, Veta. The trouble is, Harvey is an invisible, 6-foot-tall rabbit. Veta eventually decides to have Elwood committed to a sanitarium. Mistakes are made, misunderstandings are created, and soon everyone is pulled into Elwood’s fantasy world.
The show, co-directed by Marcus and Stacey Neely, will be performed June 10-13, 17-19 and 24-26, at the Harding University Ulrey Performing Arts Center.
Each show begins with a buffet dinner provided by Chartwells Catering. Individual tickets are $35, and a limited number of show-only seats are $20. Season tickets are also available for $65. Tickets can be purchased online at hardingtickets.com, by phone or at the box office. For more information, visit https://www.harding.edu/events/ssdt.
Harding University is a private Christian, liberal arts university located in Searcy, Arkansas. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, it is the largest private university in the state. Harding’s student body represents students from across the U.S. and more than 50 nations and territories. The University offers more than 100 undergraduate majors; more than 50 graduate and professional programs including master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees, graduate certificates and endorsements; as well as numerous study abroad opportunities including locations in Australasia, Peru, England, Greece, Italy and Zambia. For more information, visitharding.edu.
