Just Like Old Times

Just Like Old Times is a vignette in one act by Robert G. Barone. Five women were former members of Cothurnus, their high-school drama club. They were like puppets on strings controlled by their former director, Mrs. T. Every time she pulled a string, their lives were manipulated her way. This play for six actresses takes place six years after the girls graduated from high school. Changes have taken place during those six years, but some things have not changed. Although Mrs. T does not appear in the play, she is present nevertheless. While they were in school, the girls were under her control. Their daily lives are still dominated by the routine she taught them in drama classes and play rehearsals. Even though they seldom see her now, Mrs. T still "pulls the strings," so to speak. The five women meet at a funeral home after the death of Sharon, the sixth member of their high-school group. Sharon, unseen by the other actors, opens the show by saying, "I want you to meet the old gang." Four women reveal a puppet-like influence still affecting their lives. As they exit to meet the teacher at the railway station, Sharon lauds Lisa as the only one with enough courage to cut the strings. Then she adds, somewhat defiantly, that her own death has accomplished the same purpose.