Contributed Photo CALEDON TOWNHALL PLAYERS' upcoming production, Straight and Narrow, is an acerbic comedy about two men growing apart with the passage of time. For more information, call the box office at 519-927-5460. The cast includes (back row, left to right) Kim Blacklock, Tom Nielson, Rick Swartzl and Ann Rogers. (Front row, left to right) Peter Walsham, Wendy Walker and Gord Gardiner. The Caledon Townhall Players' winter production "Straight and Narrow" by Jimmie Chinn is a gritty, acerbic comedy that takes a look at relationships under stress.

The central couple in the play are Jeff and Bob, long-time partners in both their work and their lives who have grown apart in their needs and desires.

Bob is a homebody who loves his simple, basic life shared with Jeff. Jeff, on the other hand is stifled by all the 'togetherness' and longs for excitement and adventure. He also nurtures a secret desire to be a father. A holiday in Malta provides the catalyst to bring this conflict to a head.

Bob is the narrator of the story gently leading the audience into the chaos of his life until unfolding events compel him to join the action of the play. He and Jeff must try to work through their differences against the backdrop of Bob's dysfunctional and meddling family.

The play is set in the north of England in the working-class suburbs of Manchester. Bob's family could have walked off the set of Coronation Street. There is Bob's overbearing Mum, Vera who never has a good word for anyone except Bob and can't understand "why he hasn't met a nice girl and got married."

Bob's sisters, Lois and Nona, conspire to keep the truth from her while coping with their own chaotic lives. Lois is the rational one with feet firmly planted in a solid marriage with quiet, patient Bill. Together they are producing a football team of children and Lois is pregnant again.

Nona's husband Arthur has left her for a fling with another woman. Everyone treads very carefully around the subject, since the very mention of Arthur's name sends Nona into fits of hysterics.

The characters are compelling and their problems are familiar.

It's a warm and funny play that handles sensitive subjects with wit and humour. Directed by Kim Blacklock, "Straight and Narrow" opens February and runs three weekends until the 23rd. Show times are at 8:15 p.m. for Friday and Saturday and 2:15 for matinees.

Tickets are $15 for evenings and $12 for the Saturday matinees. Dinner/theatre is also available at Knox United Church in the village for $28. Call the box office for reservations at 519- 927-5460.