Rep. Gerry Connolly, the taxi driver

A talent for theatrical expression has served politicians well in Congress, from Daniel Webster in 1830 to the late Rep. Silvio Conte (R-Mass.), who was known to occasionally wear costumes on the House floor to make a point.

This should all come as good news for House freshman class president Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), who will show off his dramatic skills this weekend when he appears in the role of a taxi driver in a community-theater presentation of the play “Harvey.” According to a spokesman, the lawmaker has 41 spoken lines in the play, which is produced by the Providence Players.

Harvey marks the 13th role the congressman has played over the years with the Providence Players.

The play was written by Mary Chase in 1944. Harvey is the name of the lead character’s imaginary friend, a 6-foot, 3.5-inch tall rabbit. Jimmy Stewart starred in a movie version of “Harvey” released in 1950.

Catch Connolly on stage this Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m. at the James Lee Community Center in Falls Church, Va. Tickets are $15.