SCCC Theater Department Brings Community Together With Harvey
By Hail Orecchio
Journalism I Student
Photo by Allison Obnigene
The arts are thriving at Sussex County Community College in Newton, especially with the semester's theater production of “Harvey.”
Directed by adjunct professor Allison Ognibene, the play was held on several dates this November in the school's theater and the show follows a man named Elwood (played by Jason Cahill) whose best friend is a 6-foot tall invisible rabbit named Harvey. The performances were held in the theater in the A building on November 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14, 15 with showings both at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Photo by Allison Obnigene
With a great show comes great responsibility, and it is important to acknowledge all the effort that not just the actors put in, but every person that was involved in the production this semester.
“It’s not just acting,” Ognibene explains. “You have the building team, you have the properties team, you have the costume team.”
These plays are not just thrown together on stage. They take hard work by everyone included, and it is at least 20 hours a week for these folks.
Despite long hours and hard work, this close-knit group of 13 young adult actors have come together to put on an unforgettable show for all to see. The theater department at SCCC has formed such a strong sense of community that people can instantly feel the second they walk down the hall. These students have found their home within the theater, which is also how Ognibene came about choosing the play for this semester.
“I think that we are in a society right now that really judges first,” she says. “I think that this is a story that shows empathy and if we could just be kinder and more aware that being different is okay.”
Photo by Allison Obnigene
The story of Harvey really highlights this concept, and so does the theater department. There truly is a spot for everyone and it is not just about being on the stage.
Actor Fen Lewin, who plays Judge Gaffney, discusses how the stage and this play has helped them understand themself more and more every rehearsal and every show.
“I had a bit of trouble connecting with him [Judge Gaffney] at first, but I'm definitely coming around,” they explained. “I have enjoyed for once having an outlet for just being allowed to be completely frustrated and annoyed by everything on stage.”
Not only has the theater department at SCCC created a found family dynamic with its crew, it has also become an outlet for individuals to be heard in ways that they couldn’t before and convey a message that speaks to them.
Along with the play this semester, there was also an event inspired by the show, “Hearing Someone Into Existence: A Cross-Circular Conversation Inspired by Harvey” that occurred on Oct. 28. Students performed a scene from the play which was then followed by an hour-long presentation from Professor Rich Linden and Annette Hoffman from the Mental Health Association about mental health awareness and breaking stigmas. The event had a turnout of more than 200 students and was overall a great promotion for the show and a great experience for those who attended.
Photo by Allison Obnigene
The theater department has put on many great productions, and “Harvey” is no different. From the acting to behind the scenes, to the amazing sense of community that these students have brought to the spotlight, this show was something to not miss, inside and out.
