Edwood P Dodd - Male Lead, 30s-50s
The central character of the play, a charming eccentric who’s best friend is Harvey, an invisible six-foot-tall rabbit. Elwood is well mannered, very friendly, and has “old-school gentleman charm”. Elwood is Veta’s older brother but the age difference needn’t be dramatic.
Veta Louise Simmons - Female Lead, 30s-50s
Elwood’s younger sister, she has returned to the family home after the death of her mother and is intent on landing a suitable husband for her daughter Myrtle Mae. She is very concerned about fitting into society and all the social proprieties that that involves. She also loves her older brother Elwood very much. This is the dynamic that drives the action of the play
Myrtle Mae Simmons - Female, 18-30
Myrtle is Veta’s Daughter (Elwood’s Niece). Both Veta and Myrtle are about the business of finding Myrtle a man to marry-a mission that is made impossible with Elwood and Harvey constantly popping in. Myrtle is extremely self-centered.
Nurse Ruth Kelly - Female, 18-30s
A sympathetic character and a pretty young woman who has a love/hate relationship with Dr. Sanderson. She is sweet and kind and looks for the best in people.
Dr. Lyman Sanderson - Male, 20s-30s
A young and highly qualified psychiatrist, handpicked by Dr. Chumley. His talent is only surpassed by his vanity. He is as infatuated with Nurse Kelly as she is with him, though he struggles not to let on.
Dr. William B. Chumley - Male, 50s-80s
An esteemed psychiatrist and the head of Chumley’s Rest with years of experience. He is a difficult, exacting man who will go to any length to protect the reputation of his sanitarium.
Judge Omar Gaffney - Male, 40s-80s
The judge is an old family friend of the Dowds and the family’s lawyer. He is fiercely protective of the family and surprisingly understanding of Elwood’s belief in Harvey.
Duane Wilson - Male, 20s-40s
The sanitarium “strong man,” who handles unruly patients. He is blunt, coarse and simplistic in his intelligence, and he uses language that is a bit common. He likes to use his muscles rather than his brain.
Ethel Chauvenet - Female, 50s-80s)
An old friend of the family, she is an elite member of the town’s social circle that Veta desperately wants Myrtle to break into. A smaller role (Act 1 only) - may double as Betty Chumley.
Betty Chumley - Female, 50s-80s
Good natured, happy and bustling wife of Dr. Chumley. Small role that may be doubled with Ethel Chauvenet
E. J. Lofgren - Male, any age
A cab driver whose monologue about sanitarium passengers is crucial to the climax of the play. This role has a single scene near the very end and would have a limited rehearsal schedule.
