FERRER STEPS DOWN AS THEATER DIRECTOR

MIAMI —  Actor Jose Ferrer, whose career has spanned half a century of stage and screen roles, says he’s stepping down as artistic director of the Coconut Grove Playhouse for “someone better qualified to take the reins.”

Ferrer took the post with the Playhouse in December, 1982, to help rejuvenate flagging interest in the theater’s offerings. He was paid $1 a year for his services, which included several appearances in plays.

“Attendance and subscriptions have not increased to put it kindly, and overall my work has not met with the approval of the press,” the 72-year-old actor said in a statement. “Clearly, it is time for someone better qualified to take the reins.”

Ferrer recently has come under criticism for his choice of plays for the playhouse and for casting two of his sons in plays last season.

Alan Greer, a playhouse board member, said Ferrer “brought the theater to a new plateau and to the new level of achievement. He set a standard of excellence that anyone coming after him will have to live up to.”

Playhouse Board Chairman John T. Forch said Arnold Mittleman, a New Jersey producer, will be appointed artistic producing director.