When TV sitcoms invaded the realm of TV soap opera a few years ago, the result was ”Soap.” The show`s sophisticated comedic approach to daytime drama parody provoked more than a few giggles. And its tendency to dabble with some fairly thorny issues drew even more attention to it.
On a more down-to-earth level, ”The Grays of Naperville” aims for the same goals: laughter amid issue-raising. ”It may not be as bizarre as `Soap,` ” said director Jim Cullen. ”It may end up being as controversial as `Soap.` ”
At the center of the continuing story is Ida Gray, an 80-year-old matriarch who shares a three-flat building with her two children and her son- in-law.
”It`s not a soap opera that`s jumping from bedroom to bedroom,” Cullen said. ”It`s light humor with drama. We don`t want to bring people down, but we might want to make them reflect for a moment.”
The first half-hour episode explores Ida`s frugal nature, said head writer Jerry Donda. In the second episode, Ida`s automobile accident prompts a family-wide discussion about senior citizens and driving.
”The Grays of Naperville” will premiere on Jones Intercable-Naperville Ch. 17 in late April.
Du Page highlights
– Aging in America will be discussed on ”Lifestyle” (5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Continental-Ch. 3).
– State Supt. of Schools Robert Leininger appears on a live call-in segment of ”Inside Your Government” (8 p.m. Tuesday, Continental-Ch. 3).
– Waste recycling is the topic on ”Teenage” (2, 5 and 10 p.m. Tuesday, Continental-Ch. 3).
