By JOHN BENSON

Special to The Gazette

Robert Young may not be a household name anymore, but that’s not stopping the Buckeye Community Theatre from producing “Father Knows Best” weekends June 20 through 29 at Buckeye Elementary School’s Theater/Gymnasium Complex.

“One of the main goals of the Buckeye Community Theatre is that we choose productions that will encompass both young and old actors in one production, it should be family friendly and it will bring out the values that the community will like to see,” said Sue Becks, Buckeye Community Theatre executive director. “So ‘Father Knows Best’ is a non-musical, and it’s the story written off the radio show that started in 1949 and the TV series that started in 1954.”

Even though the series surrounding the Anderson family was popular literally 50 years ago, Becks said they decided to stage “Father Knows Best” in the era it’s most remembered. “We decided to set it in the ’50s, and have fun with it, but it’s very relevant to today’s families where we’re all going in 10 different directions,” Becks said. “Dad decides he doesn’t want his family going in 10 different directions, so he’s going to have everybody’s activities at the house that night.

“There’s basketball practice in the basement, Sister’s date is on the front porch, Mom’s garden club is in the kitchen and the washing repairman comes. So all hell breaks loose, and it makes fun of very busy families.”

Speaking personally from one of those crazy households, Becks said she became involved with the Buckeye Community Theatre in hopes of growing a vibrant theatrical home base for Litchfield, Liverpool and York townships.

As for why Medina County residents should consider coming out to see the Buckeye Community Theatre’s production of “Father Knows Best,” Becks is hoping the entire family can enjoy and relate to the script.

“I think it will be very lighthearted entertainment, and people who remember the ‘Father Knows Best’ shows will enjoy seeing it being recreated on our stage,” Becks said. “Young people will get a kick out of seeing a family very much like theirs, very busy. And since it’s set in the ’50s, life hasn’t changed much. Families were busy in the ’50s, and they’re still busy now.”

Becks said she recently read where Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon are teaming up for a feature film remake of “Father Knows Best” starring Tim Allen.

So, did the Hollywood producer hear about the Buckeye Community Theatre production of “Father Knows Best” before deciding to make the film?

“I’m sure,” Becks laughed, “but I’m kind of excited because we did it first.”

“Father Knows Best” takes place at 7:30 p.m. June 20, 21, 27 and 28 and at 3 p.m. June 22 and 29 at Buckeye Elementary School’s Theatre/Gymnasium Complex, 3180 Columbia Road, Medina.

Tickets are $10 adults, $8 students and seniors, and are now on sale at all Medina Buehler’s stores.

For more information, call 330-725-7530 or visit www.buckeyecommunitytheatre.com.

Benson may be reached at ididhear@aol.com.