Urban Stages presents the Victor L. Cahn play Feb. 25 through March 23. T.L. Reilly directs. The show is structured along the lines of A.R. Gurney's Love Letters in that it is told entirely through letters. The younger Naughton plays Carolyn, a PhD student who is trying to get a reclusive author named Joel Gordon (played by the elder Naughton) to come to the Alumni Weekend. Gordon refuses again and again, but over the course of many missives, a friendship develops.

Playwright Cahn and Keira Naughton have met before. The actress graduated from Skidmore University, where Cahn teaches theatre.

James Naughton just came off a big success as a director, piloting the money-making revival of Our Town starring Paul Newman. He will star in Roses only until March 9. After that, Victor Slezak (The Graduate) plays Gordon. Tickets are $35. The theatre is located at 259 West 30th Street (between 7th and 8th). Call (212) 206-1515.