Twenty plus characters. Two actors. Two hours. Shear madness you say? Possibly, but it’s also the latest offering from Theatre Huntsville. And if you’re up for a night of laughing, then this show is for you. And it opens Friday, September 14th.
The Story
Greater Tuna, the first show in Theatre Huntsville’s 2012-13 season may not be a show that you’re familiar with unless you’re a die heard theatre pro like myself, but it is certainly a show that all will enjoy. (I shall pause here to clarify. When I say “all” I mean all teens and adults.)
Let me set up the show for those of you who don’t know. The setting is Texas. But not just anywhere in Texas. Small town Texas (the 3rd smallest one actually), but the setting isn’t what’s really important. It’s the characters.
What a Character
The delightful band of misfits in Tuna, Texas, are all winningly portrayed by Theatre Huntsville veterans Fred Sayers and Carlos Bofill. And yes, I do mean ALL. This may not seem like an impressive feat to those of you not accustomed to life in the theatre, but I assure you what these two gents do is nothing short of magic. To capture the essence of so many characters in such a short amount of time is what the theatre is all about.
Here’s just a few of the characters these fellows bring to life:
- Charlene Bumiller – hopeful cheerleader
- Stanley Bumiller – fresh from reform school
- Vera Carp – vice president of the Smut-Snatchers of the New Order
- Petey Fisk – Employee of the Greater Tuna Humane Society
- Phinas Blye- A politician who runs for City Council every election
- R.R. Snavely – UFOlogist
- Thurston Wheelis – A disc jockey at radio station OKKK
- Sheriff Givens- Believes in old-fashioned jails
- Pearl Burras – addicted to killing dogs
You may notice that there are a variety of genders and ages among the characters listed. That is no mistake. These fellows change ages, genders, and characters as often as you can blink your eye. And they do it so stealthily that you’d never notice it was a different actor on stage.
That’s the beauty of this show. It was written for only two actors. A difficult feat to be sure and one that is due in no small part to the small army that was back stage helping the actors with their army of costume changes. If you’ve ever doubted the need for a backstage crew, this show will make you rethink that.
The Cast and Crew
The cast of the production includes just two actors – TH veterans Fred Sayers and Carlos Bofill. They play all of the men, women and children that inhabit Tuna, Texas, moving seamlessly from one character to the next.
The production is directed by Elaine Hubbard, assisted by Micki Lighthall and Mark B Moore.
The production staff includes:
- Technical Director/Scenic Designer: Karl King
- Costumer Designer Terri King
- Lighting Designer Cynthia Meyer
- Producer Michael Malone
About Theatre Huntsville
Theatre Huntsville is a non-Equity, non-profit community theatre dedicated to presenting quality productions for the enrichment of the community and is a member of the Alabama Conference of Theatre and the American Association of Community Theatres.
Ticket Giveaway
Event Information
Dates and Times:
September 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22 at 7:30 p.m
September 16 & 22, 2012 at 2 p.m
Location: VBC Playhouse
Cost: $18 for adults; $15 for seniors (65+), students, and active duty military
Tickets: Purchased online here or by calling the box office at 256-536-0807
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Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
