MANSFIELD — One of the most beloved programs in television history was M*A*S*H, a comedy drama set during the Korean War.
The show’s tone was set by writer Larry Gelbart. But outside of television and film, Gelbart also wrote extensively for the theater. His final play, the comedy-drama “Better Late,” will be opening at the Mansfield Playhouse on January 19.
“It’s his last work,” said Playhouse artistic director Mark Jordan. “But it applies Gelbart’s trademark mixture of sarcastic one-liners and poignancy to long-time relationships.”
The plot is spun into motion when Nora (played by Carla Eighinger of Mansfield) asks her current husband Lee (Scott Stoops of Mansfield) if her ex-husband Julian (Richard McKinley of Howard) can move in with them, temporarily, while Julian recovers from a mild stroke. When “a few days” becomes weeks, then months, tempers flare and the snide comments fly.
When Nora and Julian’s son Billy (Zach Tuggle of Butler) reveals his own marriage problems, the whole situation threatens to spin out of control, even as Julian’s condition worsens. Everyone involved will have to make peace with the others before it’s too late.
“Better Late” will be the first play directed by Jordan since becoming the Mansfield Playhouse’s artistic director in late 2017. He has been involved with the organization as actor, guest director, playwright and improv comedian for twenty-four years.
Performances of the play, which includes some coarse language, will take place Friday January 19, Saturday January 20, Friday January 26, and Friday January 27 at 8:00 pm. There will also be a matinee performance on Sunday January 28 at 2:30 pm.
The Mansfield Playhouse box office is open Wednesday through Friday from 1 pm to 5 pm at 419-522-2883. Tickets are also available online at www.MansfieldPlayhouse.com.
