I will be directing my second show soon, the comedy Harvey. I think one of the most difficult parts to cast will be Veta, for those who are familiar with it. Her character is important because she in many ways is just as eccentric and quirky as Elwood, who she is trying to commit.

My question is about age. I think many productions cast an "older" lady in this part (late 50's - 60's). I don?t think too many people in this age range are going to show up at my auditions. But the play never actually states her age. She just has to look old enough to be Myrtle Mae?s mother. I?m thinking someone who looks in their 40?s will be sufficient.

All things being equal, I think it?s better to cast talent over type any day. When I did Flowers For Algernon I casted a 19 year old as Charlie, and it didn?t look or feel weird because he was very talented. But I was just curious to see if anyone has directed this play, and what the age range for their Veta was.

Thanks,

Michael

I think Veta should probably at least be old enough to have a boarderline old maid daughter...So I think your 50-60 guess was a good one.. As far as whether you will acutually get someone that old, you might be surprised.. But if you don't remember age is actable (and makeup helps) but if you can't do 10 down and 20 up your not trying hard enough... lol...

Thank you, Sweetiepie!  (juror#3)

I played Veta twice....once when I was about 28 and once when I was.....considerably older (oh, heck.....about 50).

As it has been said before, makeup helps, but if you can't create the character sans makeup, you ain't "worth your salt" as an actor.  That's what acting is all about!