HEAD CAST — Judy Kettner (center), Coleman Francis, winner of the John Golden award in New York, and Claudia Bryar, soon to be seen in the film “Giant,” head the all star case in Ruth Gordon’s comedy “Years Ago” at the Horseshoe Stage on Melrose.

New Play May 24 At Horseshow

Robert Beecher’s next production at the new Horseshoe Stage on Melrose avenue opens May 24 and will be a modern version of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” a popular farce-comedy adapted and directed by James Edwards, screen star soon to be seen in U.I.’s  “Battle Hymn.” Beecher, the youthful producer and supervising director of the Horseshoe Stage, who is also a screen actor will play the character role originated on Broadway by Boris Karloff.

“Years Ago” Ruth Gordon’s hilarious family comedy, is not in its final week at the Horseshoe Stage, featuring screen and television favorites, Judy Kettner, Coleman Francis and Margo Kaye, under the direction of Byrd Holland.

‘Years Ago’ Good Play Now at Horseshoe Stage
By Willie Williams

The autobiographical story of an actress, “Years Ago,” by Ruth Gordon, is the current fare at the Horseshoe Stage on Melrose Blvd.

Though it got off to a late start, all went swimmingly once begun.

It is a light play which deals with a most familiar theme: the plight of a teenaged aspiring actress who runs into parental opposition.

Father (Coleman Francis) is the strong character, a former mariner who runs his home like a taut ship. Francis does admirably in the role.

Claudia Bryar, at her professional best, portrays the mother, alternately concerned and preoccupied. Ruth Gordon is played by Judy Kettner who does a creditable job. Others deserving kudos are Ed Williams, the beau, Earl Miles, a twitchity athletic director, and Gladys Whitman, an amazon. The rest of the cast is never less than good.

The play ran for half a year a decade ago on Broadway with generally good critical acclaim. It is a period piece set in a small Massachusetts town somewhere in the early 1900s. Especial care has been taken with the set and props to create an authentic atmosphere, for which credit is due director Bryd Holland who also did a find job of directing.

Through the humor of the play is more the warm chuckle type, there are occasions of outright laughter. It was well received by the opening night audience. In sum, it’s a good bet for light entertainment.