Jim Parsons headed to Broadway in 'Harvey'

The Big Bang Theory’s two-time Emmy winner Jim Parsons is trading in physics for psychosis next summer in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s upcoming revival of Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1944 comedy, Harvey. Parsons, who made his Broadway debut as big-hearted hospital administrator Tommy Boatwright in last season’s Tony-winning Normal Heart revival, will play Elwood P. Dowd, an affable man whose best friend is the titular 6-foot 3½-inch fairy rabbit. When Elwood’s odd behavior threatens his upstart sister’s social life, she tries to have him committed, only to end up in the loony bin herself. Broadway vets Jessica Hecht will play the sister and Charles Kimbrough (Murphy Brown’s deep-voiced Jim Dial) will play the hospital’s chief.

You might say it’s perfect casting — Parsons will be stepping into the shoes of fellow lanky comedian Jimmy Stewart, who (along with Frank Fay, Joe E. Brown, and Jack Buchanan) played Elwood during the show’s initial Broadway run, in the 1950 film, and the 1970 stage revival. Previews begin May 18, with the official opening night set for Jun. 14.

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This Week on Stage: Jim Parsons in ‘The Normal Heart’