`A Tuna Christmas' plays Wortham Center
A Tuna Christmas is the sequel to Greater Tuna , one of the most popular and widely-produced plays in recent times. Broadway veterans Sears and Williams play a total of 22 roles in this irreverent hit comedy that has enjoyed a run of seven years.
The excellent portrayal of so many different characters -- each with his or her own vocal intonation, physical mannerisms and costume -- showcases the actors' creativity, theatrical integrity, professionalism and composure under pressure.
The lightning-fast costume changes wowed the audience, as was evidenced by their applause after such feats as five-second character changes. A particularly awe-inspiring exit by Sears involved his changing from a pair of overalls, boots and a cowboy hat to a dress, heels, wig and raincoat.
Another interesting and demanding aspect of the show was the minimalist use of props. Aside from the differently decorated, remotely-operated Christmas trees used to signify a change of scene to different homes in Tuna, Texas, and a table with two chairs, no props were used.
The actors' use of the world of make-believe and appropriate sounds was so convincing that I could, at once, visualize the entire room that the character was in right down to placement of the phone, refrigerator, etc.
Colloquial jokes abound. Didi Snavly, a chain-smoking, Christmas carol-singing weapons enthusiast, operates Used Weapons Emporium in a town where little old ladies plot to sabotage yard displays by moonlighting as the Christmas Phantom.
The one-liners in this play are uproarious. Some memorable ones include, "Wouldn't you rather shoot someone than watch them run off with your new toaster?" and "It's the glare of the limelight -- scares 'em [women] away," and "We'll hold your organ 'til Christmas for ya."
The country music renditions of traditional Christmas carols lend authenticity to the feel of Christmas-time in the country. The arrival of a UFO, replete with flashing lights and a colorful boarding plank, spices up the already-extraordinary activities occurring in Tuna.
A Tuna Christmas will become a Christmas tradition for me, and I predict for many others to come.
This item appeared in the Arts & Entertainment section of the November 15, 1996 issue.
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