The Barnstormers Theatre presents the Pulitzer prize-winning comedy "Harvey" from August 4 to 8 in Tamworth, NH.

Elwood P. Dowd is kind, gentle, and slightly wacky--his best friend is an invisible 6-foot rabbit, much to the consternation of his sister and niece, who are trying to climb the social ladder.

"Harvey is one of the great American farces," says Bob Shea, artistic director for The Barnstormers. "It's right up there with 'The Man Who Came to Dinner' and 'Arsenic and Old Lace' --brilliant situation comedies that were characteristic of the writing of the time."

"Harvey" also represents the passing of a baton, as Barnstormers veteran Dale Place takes on the role of Elwood, one of the signature roles played by Francis Cleveland, founder of The Barnstormers Theatre. "Francis brought Dale on as a protégé, so it's really a rite of passage for us to have him play the role of Elwood," says Shea.

Dale Place has appeared in numerous Barnstormer productions over the years, including "Our Town," "Urinetown," "A Little Night Music" and others, as well as directing several productions. He has also appeared at the Hanover Theatre, Lyric Stage, Village Theatre Project, Huntington Theatre, and Cleveland Play House, among others, and in feature films such as Sandra Bullock's "The Proposal," in theaters now.

Barnstormers veteran Jean Mar Brown ("Toad of Toad Hall," "The Gin Game," "Lettuce and Lovage," "You Can't Take It with You," and others) is Elwood's much put-upon sister, Veta Louise. Newcomer to The Barnstormers stage Rae Evelyn McCarey plays Elwood's niece, Myrtle Mae. Other returning Barnstormers include Cope Murray as cab driver E.J. Lofgren, Elaine Anderson as society matron Ethel Chauvenet, Bob Bates as Dr. Chumley, and Penny Purcell as Mrs. Chumley.

Written by Mary Chase, "Harvey" won the Pulitzer prize for Drama in 1945. In its original review of "Harvey," The New Yorker called it "a work of pure enchantment--touching, eloquent, and lit with a fresh, surprising humor."

Performances of "Harvey" are at 8 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, plus a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $24.50 to $29.50 for evening shows and $15 to $20 for matinees. Friday night is Family Night, with family groups (containing at least one person age 18 or under) admitted for half price, available on the day of the show. Saturday matinees are $10-$15 for youth 18 and younger. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 603-323-8500 or visit the web site at http://www.barnstormerstheatre.org.