Directing: Casting For Harvey

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Casting For Harvey

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Directing
Forum Discription: For questions about handling shows, actors, crew, board members, children ...or do we repeat ourselves?
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2144
Printed Date: 11/23/24 at 3:13pm
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Topic: Casting For Harvey

Posted By: mikejmurray
Subject: Casting For Harvey
Date Posted: 11/26/06 at 7:23pm

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

Replies:

Posted By: falstaff29
Date Posted: 11/26/06 at 7:53pm

Originally posted by mikejmurray

All things being equal, I think it?s better to cast talent over type any day.

I've found this to be one of those "gotta know the rules to break 'em" scenarios. There's nothing wrong with casting by type; I get or don't get roles based on it all the time and it doesn't bother me anymore. As a director, I think it's an important consideration, even if unfair. But if you understand the convention and can MEANINGFULLY tweak it, by all means, go ahead. Breaking type can sometimes illuminate an aspect of the character you wouldn't have noticed otherwise.

Sorry I can't be more helpful with your particular scenario- not very familiar with the show. Break legs, though!

Posted By: MartyW
Date Posted: 11/28/06 at 11:37am

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...

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Marty W

"Till next we trod the boards.."

Posted By: Juror #3
Date Posted: 11/28/06 at 12:36pm

I think the key is casting someone who can play Veta Louise's age, not necessarily be that age herself. You can age the actress and dress her appropriately; if she can play age, however, you could have her in ordinary street clothes and she would be convincing. My wife has played a number of such character parts, one that are older than her and ones that are younger than her, and she becomes that woman at the age she is supposed to be in that play.

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Juror #3

Posted By: red diva
Date Posted: 11/28/06 at 1:51pm

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!

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"I've worked long and hard to earn the right to be called Diva!"

Posted By: mikejmurray
Date Posted: 11/30/06 at 10:17am

Thanks for the comments. I agree that it's more important to cast someone who can play the age than actually be the age. It takes a skilled actress to play Veta, so I rather cast someone who may be younger and can act it, over someone who just "looks the part".

I do think the topic of age (generally speaking now) is an interesting one for directors. I think what has been said about playing the age is very true. I once was in a production of Desire Under The Elms where Cabot was played by a 25 year old. I'm sure we all have examples like that.