‘Greater Tuna’ opens in March
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| From left, Mike Conroy, Randal Tyler and Michael Kennedy prepare for the Lancaster Players’ production of “Greater Tuna.” |
“Tuna, oh my Tuna, please stay the way you are, ‘cause I just think the world outside of Tuna is bizarre!” Such is the lament of teenager Charlene Bumiller, one of the many denizens of the fictional Tuna, Texas.
The comedy “Greater Tuna,” is currently in rehearsal by The Lancaster Players. The long running Off-Broadway hit, written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, has spawned three sequels, an HBO special, and given a command performance at The White House for President George H.W. Bush.
What makes “Greater Tuna” one of the most performed plays in the country? Director Randal Tyler thinks he has the answer. “This comedy is an affectionate and somewhat satirical comment on small-town Southern life and attitudes,” he said. “Audiences will recognize many of the characters from their own families, friends and life observations. Greater Tuna strikes a chord of small town, soap opera and back fence intrigue.”
And also, Tyler notes, “The play is genuinely funny!”
During this “one day” in Tuna, audiences will delight in meeting Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie, Tuna’s local radio announcers as their “on air” banter serves as a thread throughout the play. Next, the audience will meet housewife and mother Bertha Bumiller, her two “psycho” kids, their innocent brother, Aunt Pearl, The Greater Tuna Humane Society’s Petey Fisk and DiDi Snavely and her “used weapons” emporium.
Along the way the audience will encounter “Let It Out” with chat host Leonard Childers, society diva Vera Carp, and the honorable Reverend Spikes. A sheriff, a politician, a town drunk, a beleaguered weatherman and a country singer wannabe round out the 20 eccentric characters.
A talented, local cast will play multiple roles. The roster includes Juli Ghiselin, Susan Robertson, Steve Rice, Jordan Rice and Frank Connelly. The Players welcome returning veterans Amy Lewis and John Pitman as well as two newcomers to the White Stone stage, Michael Kennedy and Mike Conroy.
Tyler, an actor, playwright, director and designer returns to The Lancaster Players to direct his 12th production since his initial involvement in 1989. His stage design of this production marks his 28th to date.
Greater Tuna begins its three weekend runs on March 16, with performances continuing March 23, 24, 30 and 31. A matinee is scheduled for Sunday, March 25. The doors open each night at 7 p.m. for a social hour with cash bar and snacks. The play begins at 8 p.m. At the matinee, a 2 p.m. social hour precedes a 3 p.m. curtain. All seats are reserved and it is advised to act early by calling The Lancaster Players at 435-3776 or visiting lancasterplayers.org for PayPal reservations and/or a reservation form download. Patrons may expect e-mail or telephone confirmation of their reservations.
Tyler adds, “I’ve loved this play for 30 years and encourage audiences not to miss this ‘funny day in Tuna!’ ”
