Emmy winner Jim Parsons made his Broadway debut earlier this year as a gay man in the midst of the AIDS crisis in The Normal Heart.
Now the Big Bang Theory star—who may or may not have broken up with his special male friend—is returning to the Great White Way in a more lighthearted role in the Roundabout Theater Company’s production of Harvey.
Previews start May 12 at Studio 54, with opening night set for June 14.
In the 1944 comedy from Mary Chase, Parsons will play Elwood P. Dowd, a sweet charmer with one strange trait: he’s got a 6-foot-tall, invisible white rabbit named Harvey for a best friend. To save their family’s reputation, Elwood’s sister Veta (Jessica Hecht) tries to get Elwood committed to a sanatorium, setting off a whirlwind of confusion and chaos.
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Putting someone away for being different? If you squint just so, you can see a gay metaphor there.
Dick
This news is over a week old but still, it;s good to get the word out.
Elwood P. Dowd: Years ago my mother used to say to me, she’d say, “In this world, Elwood, you must be” – she always called me Elwood – “In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.” Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me.
seth
I had no idea Jim Parsons was gay
Pygar
Non-Gay play? Sez you.
Cam
I love the excuses for him to never mention his finance when he wins an award. The last was the best “Oh, I got so confused when Charlie Sheen came out on stage”. (Eye Roll)
mdgng3004
He has mentioned him when receiving awards (it’s like… on youtube). He didn’t thank anybody that time Charlie Sheen handed him the Emmy (also: youtube). Not even his mother. Not just his bf. And he doesn’t have an obligation to you, me or to anybody to make a public statement or anything. Besides, the guy takes his bf to award shows, to the workplace, he is in public family photos… how is that hiding/denying anything? He obviously shares more of his life with the people that actually matter for him, while keeping it safe form the people who don’t, and who could mess it all up like it usually happens in hollywood. I hope he keeps handling his private life this way, it only shows how smart and grounded he is.
Bellerophon69
The man is a fine actor, and Elwood P. Dodd is a great part to showcase his comedic skills, which he is a master of. I would love to see him in the Normal Heart, I’m sure he handles drama just as skillfully. If he’s gay or bi, it doesn’t matter, he obviously keeps his professional life and his private life separate, as most of us do. I worked for years with many fellow gay people who assumed I was straight, because my private life has nothing to do with my job and I don’t “fly the rainbow flag” just because that’s just not the way I am. Unless I’m hanging out with people who know I’m gay it’s not really any major topic of conversation. Even then we don’t talk about that many different topics than I discuss with my straight friends, it’s kind of a reverse stereotype that straight guys just talk about nookie and bims. But I have to admit Jim IS a topic of conversation whenever I get together with my gay friends (in my compartmentalized life), because he’s just so damn CUTE, and we ALL agree on that!
CWebb
Saw “Harvey” yesterday. Maybe I’m crazy … but isn’t it about being gay, and how the people around you deal with a significant other that challenges their expectations, causes major social repercussions? I had no idea Parsons was gay, but I have a hard time seeing the play any other way — especially when they try to “treat” Elwood for his “problem,” and the old doctor realizes that HE can “see Harvey,” too?