Interview by Jen Bush

Rita Harvey Interview

Ms. Harvey is appearing in Bullet Points is a new work by Larry Daggett. A staged presentation of this powerful new musical will take place on: June 10 @ 7:00 p.m. & June 11 @ 2:00 p.m. Theatre Row Theatre as part of the CreateTheater New Works Festival, 410 West 42nd Street, NYC

Bullet Points tells the story of one woman’s attempt to navigate her thoughts and feelings on both sides of the gun control issue – with the hope that this subject will resonate long enough in the American consciousness that both sides of the debate might begin to find a path toward ending gun violence in schools.  This dark comedy focuses on Sarah, a Florida high school teacher who returns to work on the same day as a school shooting which sends her life spinning in wildly unpredictable directions – both tragic and comic.  “The theme of the show concerns the “us versus them” mentality that cuts our country in half,” says acclaimed composer Larry Daggett, “It’s about learning to listen to people on the opposite side of an issue even if they disagree with your point of view.”

A bit on Rita: Rita Harvey on Broadway: “Fiddler on the Roof” (Hodel), “The Phantom of the Opera” (Christine), National Tours: “The Phantom of the Opera” (Christine), “100 Years of Broadway”. Off-Broadway: original cast of “The Prince and the Pauper” (Lady Edith), “Peg O’ My Heart” (Ethel Chichester) at the Irish Repertory Theatre. Regional: “Next to Normal” (Diana Goodman) and “Fun Home” (Helen Bechdel) at Theatresquared, “Footloose” (Ethel McCormack) at the Fulton Theatre, “Take Flight” (Anne Morrow Lindbergh) at the Eugene O’Neil Center, “Rocky Horror” (Janet), “Sweeney Todd” (Johanna), “Oklahoma!” (Laurey), “She Loves Me” (Amalia), “Carousel” (Julie Jordan). Solo recordings: “Letting Go” (live at Judy’s Chelsea), “Wishing…”, “Simple Prayers for Challenging Times”. Love to husband, Neil Berg and our amazing son Lucas! www.ritaharvey.com

Phantom of the Opera, one of Broadway’s most iconic and successful shows recently closed after a 35-year run.  Bullet Points managed to snag not only an alumnus from that show but the leading lady herself, Rita Harvey.  Rita Harvey played the role of Christine on Broadway and in one of the national tours.  In fact, she played numerous leading ladies in some of the most popular and beloved musicals of all time.  The clarity, strength and beauty of her angelic singing voice has served her well.  She is a performer who possesses grace, elegance and a bounty of talent.  If somebody wanted to create a time capsule to preserve the beauty of the world for future generations, a recording of Rita Harvey’s singing voice should be included in that capsule.  I speak from firsthand experience, having seen Ms. Harvey perform on Broadway and many times on stage in 100 Years of Broadway.  100 Years of Broadway is the brainchild of Ms. Harvey’s husband, Neil Berg, who is a behemoth talent in his own right as a composer and pianist.  It was a thrill to get to Chat with Ms. Harvey about this wonderful production and her prolific career in the arts.

Ms. Harvey is a passionate artist with a storied career.  Whether she’s singing Broadway or opera or rock and roll, the audience will come away entertained and delighted.  “I’ve ALWAYS been a singer and actor and in love with how music can enhance and deepen storytelling. I majored in Opera and spent years playing Christine in Phantom of the Opera. Now I sing all sorts of styles and have my own Linda Ronstadt tribute concert. I have to say my favorite role I’ve played is Diana Goodman in Next to Normal. It’s a role that scared me to death but caused me to grow the most as a person and an artist.” 

Ms. Harvey was drawn to Bullet Points because it was a challenge with an important message.  “This project is one that is going to be extremely challenging, but that’s how we grow and stretch as artists and people. I have a son in high school, and I worry about him constantly. This is a topic that needs to be discussed and hopefully this show will help open up dialogue.” 

Ms. Harvey has a solid and effective creative process.  “The creative process is a huge topic to tackle. It involves a lot of study of the script and score, making sure I know the tone of the piece and of course learning the music. It involves making choices about the character’s wants, objectives and relationships.”

Gun control, mass shootings and school shootings are a sad reality of society right now.  All the cast members of Bullet Points shared their perspective on the issue.  “Gun control is an incredibly tough subject. I tend to lean towards the left and I’d love to see a world where we don’t need them at all, but that’s not completely realistic. Both sides are extremely entrenched but doing nothing is unacceptable. We need to address the gun lobby that has congress in its grip to preserve its bottom line. We also need to address mental health issues. It’s a huge topic.”

Ms. Harvey is hoping that the audience comes away thinking about the important issues in the show and starts conversations leading to an improved situation for all.  “I Hope this show can open up a dialogue about how to be sensible about guns and help us to step back our extreme emotions so that we can see and hear clearly.” 

After Bullet Points, Ms. Harvey will continue to share her beautiful artistic gifts with the world.  If you have a chance to see her perform, take it!   It will be well worth your time.  “I have many, many concerts scheduled this year. I also hope to audition a bit more now that my son will be heading to college, and I’ll have more time.” 

Make it a point to reserve your seats for Bullet Points!

Bullet Points – a new work by Larry Daggett
Staged presentation
June 10 @ 7:00 p.m. & June 11 @ 2:00 p.m.
Theatre Row Theatre, as part of the CreateTheater New Works Festival, 410 West 42nd Street, NYC