About the Play:

Father Knows Best is a full-length comedy adapted for the stage by Kristin Sergel from the radio play by Edward James, who created the radio version of Father Knows Best in 1949 and, in 1954, helped move to television the classic sitcom about a nearly infallible dad.

Father Knows Best is about an average American family in the 1950's. Getting her first date with Ralph wasn't easy and Betty's afraid it'll be her last. After reading a newspaper story about teenage elopement, Father has decided he'd better get acquainted with the young man first. He asks the family what's so awful about spending an evening at home? Nothing – but it seems that Bud, Kathy and even Mother have made plans to go out. Aggravated, Father puts his foot down and they all stay home. The town's social life is suddenly centered on the Anderson household. The excitement and humorous complications grow and then, in the final scene, Father discovers that while he may know best, the young people know a little, too.

Cast: 10 women, 7 men

About the Playwright:

Edward James (1908-1995) was a prolific American writer and creator of the sitcom Father Knows Best, which started on radio in 1949 and became one of television's most popular shows in the 1950's and early 60's. His writing career spanned nearly 40 years. He wrote for both screen and television but made a far bigger impact with the latter medium. He created the characters for Father Knows Best and with Seaman Jacobs, James co-wrote the pilots for The Addams Family and F-Troop as well as multiple episodes of F-Troop, The Real McCoys, No Time for Sergeants, Tycoon, Family Affair, The Danny Thomas Show and Petticoat Junction. Other shows for which he had written include My Favorite Martian, Bill Dana and My Three Sons.