Photo/MANDI HARGRAVE ONE MOMENT: PLAYWRIGHT NORM FOSTER and Theatre Orangeville have come together again for the world premiere of One Moment. It's a play about working in an office and everything that comes with that. Here the cast and Mr. Foster pose for a picture during rehearsals. Life can change in a moment. This is what six coworkers learn during a normal day of work at a call centre in the funny and touching musical, One Moment, which opens tomorrow (Friday) night at Theatre Orangeville.

In the latest work from playwright Norm Foster the very different lives of these co-workers are explored with the addition of the new girl, Danny.

"It's about a moment that these people go through together that affects them, how it effects them and how they come out the other side," says Mr. Foster.

Actress Alex Saslove, who plays Danny, describes her character as a very pure at heart, honest and sweet person. She's the wide-eyed girl you can't help but love; someone everyone wants to be friends with.

"She's like a splash of clean water on your face," says Ms. Saslove.

But at the same, Ms. Saslove says Danny has her own beliefs and opinions and knows what she stands for.

Through these characteristics she learns the truth about the other co-workers; one is gay, another is an excon, one is an aspiring playwright, one is a loveable loser when it comes to the heart and the other is the boss of the office.

Donnie Schram describes his character, Kenny, as the token gay guy of the office. He's full of one liners and quips and has dreams of being a back-up singer. While he may be slightly bitter, he still has a big heart, along with a big mouth. Kenny introduces smalltown girl Danny to a number of different things in life.

As the co-worker who has worked at the office the longest, he's the only one who really gets along with Gail, who is played by Lisa Horner.

As a lonely lady of a certain age, Gail is searching not only for friends, but for a partner too. However, her blunt edge has prevented her from establishing friendships and romances over the years.

If there is someone she has her eye, she goes directly after them. Ms. Horner says this puts her character in danger of becoming the stereotypical neighbourhood cat lady. The office is her life and the employees are her family.

Maria, who is played by Ayrin Mackie, is at the other end of the romance spectrum. While she has had many relationships, her nature to love with all her heart usually ends up hurting her as she often taken for granted. She tends to believe the intentions of these men are pure instead of being for sexual gain. As a girl who lives in the moment, she doesn't realize this trend until she stops to think with her head and not her heart. It's then that she starts to ask herself what does she want; instead of what do others want.

Although he hasn't written more than two pages John, played by Shawn Wright, has an aspiration to be a playwright. He's a smart guy who is oblivious to many situations and takes sarcasm too literally. Even with Gail's not-so-subtle hints that she's in love with John, he is completely unaware of her feelings. He's a comical character without knowing it says Mr. Wright.

During the second act John and the other characters begin to loosen up. With this, the audience learns what makes these individuals tick.

Then there's Stuart, the ex-con, as played by George Masswohl. He says his character is just a regular guy with a family who made a big mistake and paid dearly for it. He's now trying to find his way back into society, but isn't having an easy time doing so.

Artistic Director David Nairn says the characters are incredibly real people that others can easily relate to. The story is not only amusing, but also touching. One Moment is filled with original music, an aspect that will stay with the audience he says. "I think the audience will walk out changed as well," says Mr. Nairn.

The play will run until October 7. For tickets call 519-942-3423.