Elizabeth Gudenrath plays Veta, Elwood P. Dowd's over-excitable sister in Camelot Theatre's current production of "Harvey."

Not many know that “Harvey,” the 1950 film starring Jimmy Stewart, was adapted from a Pulitzer Prize-winning play that ran on Broadway for more 1,000 performances on Broadway. But now you can see Mary Chase’s beloved story of Harvey and Elwood live at Camelot Theatre in Talent — and maybe even catch a glimpse of the rabbit.

The play tells the story of Elwood P. Dowd, a good-natured, genteel young man with a kind disposition, who has gone to his “happy place.”

He lives on an estate with his over-excitable sister, Veta, and his flirtatious, greedy, niece, Myrtle. They believe Elwood is a few fries short of a Happy Meal because Elwood has an invisible friend (or presumably, one that only he can see) a six foot, three inch rabbit named Harvey, which Elwood takes with him everywhere he goes.

The play opens with a social event at Elwood’s estate. Veta believes her brother’s eccentric behavior is becoming an embarrassment. She’s worried Elwood is going to make an appearance with his imaginary rabbit. When he does show up, Elwood’s social-climbing sister becomes hysterical and inconsolable.

After the event, Veta decides she has had enough and decides to take her brother to a local sanitarium. She realizes this would improve her social standing and give her control of his estate. Her daughter Myrtle sees it as an opportunity to live lavishly on her uncle’s money.

Elizabeth Gudenrath packs a lot of energy into her performance as Veta. Gudenrath’s opening scene is as histrionic and funny as one can get. It’s not surprising then, that by the time Veta arrives at the sanitarium in the same agitated state, the psychiatrist Dr. Sanderson misjudges the situation, thinks Veta is the patient, sending Elwood home and committing her instead. This blunder leads to Dr. Sanderson’s temporary dismissal, but not before Elwood unknowingly leads them all on a wild goose chase.

Elwood is a touching, sympathetic character and Zach Virden does a wonderful job of playing him that way. During the pandemonium, Elwood heads for his favorite drinking establishment with Harvey and Dr. William R. Chumley, chief psychiatrist, whom he charms into going with them. He tells Dr. Chumley that Harvey has special powers and can manipulate space and time. Chumley is intrigued and wants to know more.

Elwood likes to go where everybody knows his name. He spends his time visiting local bars where he finds acceptance, camaraderie and ironically, a place where he believes he and Harvey can feel seen and heard. Well, Elwood anyway — not so sure about the rabbit.

With a mutual attraction for one another, Dr. Sanderson, sincerely played by Steven Orton and his industrious nurse, Ruth Kelly (competently played by Jessi Shieman), have been trying to track down Elwood and the Dr. Chumley. When they finally catch up to Elwood, Dr. Chumley is not with him. Elwood explains that Dr. Chumley wandered off in a drunken stupor.

Dr. Sanderson reminds Elwood that sooner or later, “We all must face reality,” to which Elwood replies, “I’ve wrestled with reality for 35 years doctor, and I’m happy to state, I finally won out over it.” The doctor asks Elwood if he ever had an invisible friend in childhood, thinking Elwood might say “Harvey.” Elwood hesitates, then quickly comes up with another name. It’s in this moment we recognize the lonely, vulnerable inner child who lives within Elwood.

There are some familiar faces in this very talented cast.

Chuck Isen as Dr. Chumley, seems to have been miscast in a former Camelot role, but makes up for it in this one. He’s an attentive, concerned psychiatrist. He’s understanding but yearning for what Elwood has — a vivid imagination and peace of mind. Finlo Laney plays Myrtle Simmons, Elwood’s self-centered niece, so well the audience wants to set her straight. Sean Warren is Judge Omar Gaffney, who tries to project a voice of reason when Veta decides to sue the sanitarium. Mozart Pierson plays Duane Wilson, the psychiatric tech who drags Veta to the hydro-tub for a “treatment.”

Pierson plays Duane seemingly a little more heavy-handed than is needed, but that’s how the character was written. Vicki Richardson plays Mrs. Chumley, the wife of the chief psychiatrist. She steps into this matronly, pompous but funny performance with ease. Noah Fitterer, in drag, is a giddy Mrs. Ethel Chauvenet. He is funny and blustery, with the perfect dress and fur ensemble to match.

Director Gwen Overland understands the heart in this story. It’s poignant and at the same time, full of humor as it pokes fun at the human condition. It isn’t easy coordinating several actors, all going in different directions on a series of revolving sets, which have been cleverly designed by Nathan Ynacay. There is effective staging (AJ Ark), illustrative lighting (Kate Landon) and spot on ‘40s attire with drop-waisted belted dresses, adorable feathered hats, and furs by Andrew Beyer.

So, who — or what — exactly is Harvey? As explained in the story, Harvey is a pooka. A Celtic mischievous spirit that has taken over the body of a giant rabbit. According to Elwood, Harvey has this uncanny way of intervening in situations when you least expect it. There is this odd situation for instance, when Veta, mysteriously loses a change purse, causing a ruckus which could alter Elwood’s life forever.

Is Harvey real? There’s only one way to find out.

Performances of “Harvey” are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, through March 10, at the Camelot Theatre, 101 Talent Ave., Talent. Tickets are $20-$36. Tickets and information available at camelottheatre.org or 541-535-5250. Group and discounted season packages, as well as special rate performances, are available. The Box Office is open three hours before performances, or by appointment. See website for special performance dates.