Mary Rose, a play by. J. M. Barrie. Vineyard Theatre, starring Paige Howard, Noah Bean, Keir Dullea, directed by Tina Landau. In over forty years of theater going in New York and in London, I have never had the luck to see a play by J. M. Barrie. Now remembered solely for "Peter Pan" and for the movie "Finding Neverland," Barrie had many hits to his credit including "The Admirable Crichton" and "The Little Minister." "Mary Rose" is a play I was not at all familiar with. "Mary Rose" deals with the past, the present and time itself, and with death, loss and recovery. It is a warm and lovely play, a little creaky in its center perhaps, but profound and unforgettable. Typical of Barrie's work, it's superbly written and has a fey female character at its heart, which is charmingly enacted by Paige Howard who like her more famous sister Bryce Dallas, is also a beautiful redhead. On the day we saw the play, Richard Short who normally plays Harry, was ill and his place was taken at the last minute by Noah Bean. Bean who has a more distinguished resume perhaps than Short was no understudy. He used a script, but so skillfully that he made his performance possibly the most eloquent of the afternoon. This was a triumphant theatrical rescue. The Director, Tina Landau, in a brilliant twist, has added a narrator, played by the expert, Keir Dullea who reads Barrie's colorful stage directions. This is a plus and adds an "Our Town" like nostalgia to the play, and to its benefit. "Mary Rose"runs through March 25 unless it is extended. This is a rare opportunity that is not to be missed. This passed the Broadway Bridge and Tunnel Test with a B+