By Deanna Brown
Daily Sun
Side-splitting laughter is inevitable as what seems like the entire population of Tuna, Texas, parades across the Warehouse Living Arts Center Theatre stage.
The kicker?
All the characters are portrayed by just two actors — the indomitable Gary Douglas and Frank Means.
Superbly directed by Cranston Dodds, “Greater Tuna” will make you laugh until you hurt.
Playing no fewer than 10 characters each, Douglas and Means master the art of “quick change” slipping from grumpy old man to irascible woman, to little boy, then dowager in the blink of an eye. Each character is fully developed, with their own mannerisms, voice, accent, even their own walk.
It is hard to decide which is the bigger ham. Clearly, Douglas is bigger physically, making a dang fine Aunt Pearl Burras who may remind you of your own Granny or Aunt Ruth , while Means’ forlorn cheerleader wannabe, Charlene, is absolutely hysterical.
Decidedly politically-incorrect, “Tuna” delights in poking fun at some of the backward, antiquated ideas still not only fostered, but encouraged, in small-town USA. At the center of the drama is the death of Judge Roscoe Buckner, whose demise holds a touch of intrigue, with a dash of the risqué.
Though always considered good actors, both Means and Douglas stretch their skills for “Greater Tuna,” and the result is pure magic. Vera Carp and the “Smutsnatchers of the New Order” are the perfect foil for the ego-driven Rev. Spikes, and his cliché-filled eulogy for Buckner. The scenes with Bertha Bumiller and her three children — stoner Stanley, clueless Charlene, and sheepish, dog-loving Little Jody — are priceless.
Petey Fisk of the Humane Society of Tuna, Texas, is frustrated but precious, and the tension coming from Didi Snavely, the chain-smoking owner of the Used Weapon Store, is palpable, as her husband, R.R. Snavely, tries to convince her he’s spotted a UFO.
The set is very simplistic, but because the characters are so richly colored, not much backdrop is necessary. “Greater Tuna” runs through Jan. 30, but tickets are going fast. Call soon to reserve your tickets at (903) 872-5421.
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Deanna Brown may be contacted via e-mail at deanna@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to “Sound Off” on this story? E-mail soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com.
