Caledon Townhall Players present 'Opening Night'

Norm Foster's Opening Night is a hilarious, satirical romp through the theatre world with all its characters, emotions and high drama, both on and off the stage. It takes us behind the scenes on the opening night of a new play where frayed nerves and egos clash and spark.

Stumbling into this volatile world are Jack and Ruth Tisdale, ordinary folks, who have secured tickets to this exclusive event. It is their 25th and Ruth is longing for a romantic renewal in her marriage and in her life. She hopes that this one, special evening will provide the catalyst. Jack would rather be home watching the seventh game of The World Series.

Norm Foster's plays are always a slice and this time the theatre and its denizens are his targeted choice. There is the beleaguered director, Richard Hyde- Finch slowly unraveling in the face of disaster while being pulled in all directions by his actors. These run the gamut from the tipsy, has been, Michael Craig to the would-be actor Tom Delaney and then there is Clayton Fry, selfabsorbed to his fingertips. But Richard has more pressing problems in the form of his failing relationship with his long-suffering girlfriend Cilla Fraser exacerbated by the tempestuous and manipulative ingénue, Libby Husniak.

The vehicle is an absurd play within the play about a farmer and his daughter. Chaos ensues when everything, which could possibly go wrong happens on that stage and the events spiral into pure comic farce. This is a very funny play, full of droll humour and hilarious comic situations. The dialogue is witty and engaging and the antics are hysterically funny.

Through all of the laughter Foster takes a warm and sympathetic look at relationships. The characters are dimensional and touchingly human.

Opening Night is directed by Pamela Niesiobedzki-Curtis. It runs Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 2 to 17 with Saturday matinees. Tickets are $15 for evenings and $12 for matinees. Show times are at 8:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Knox United Church dinner/theatre is Saturday, Nov. 10. Please call the box office for reservations at 519-927-5460.