Mark your calendars for October 21-22, 2022, and October 28-29, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. when Wytheville Community College (WCC) presents Greater Tuna, a hilarious comedy theatre production hailed by critics as "sharp" and "howlingly funny."
The comedy by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard is a perennial crowd favorite. Set in a small Texas town, the action revolves around two radio announcers and the citizens of Tuna that they introduce.
There’s Petey Fisk, dedicated Humane Society Officer, up to his neck in ducks. Pearl Burras terrorizes the local canine population with her deadly biscuits while Didi Snavely sells weapons “guaranteed to kill.” Charlene Bumiller has been trying out for cheerleading for seven years while her twin brother Stanley does time in reform school. And let’s not forget Rev. Spikes, head of the Smut Snatcher’s League; Phinas Blye, who’s been running for Town Council as long as anyone can remember; and UFO-seeing R.R. Snavely. Combined with all the other zany inhabitants of Tuna, these fine citizens make for side-splitting comic chaos!
Greater Tuna, a smash off-Broadway hit, has been delighting audiences since it first opened in 1981. According to WCC theatre director, Janice Pryor, part of the fun of the play is that two actors play all the different roles. “They make some lightning-quick changes,” she says, “and it keeps us and the audience on our toes!”
Robert Burnett and Tina Edwards, both veterans of WCC Theatre, play the two radio announcers as well as all the other characters in the play including all the dogs. When asked how they jump back and forth from character to character, twenty in all, both smiled and answered, “Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!”
As with all stage productions, much of the magic happens behind the scenes. The stage set, properties, and soundtrack were created and built by designer, Roger Dean Grubb. Making sure cast and set are always visible to the audience is lighting designer, Coyote Edwards. Costumer Tina Edwards coordinates clothing and wigs to fit each character’s personality, and Denita Burnett manages the box office. Keeping the action moving behind the curtain are scene changers and dressers, Philip MacAdams and Frances Moore.
Greater Tuna is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. (www.concordtheatricals.com). All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in Snyder Auditorium, Wytheville Community College campus, at 1000 East Main Street, Wytheville. Ticket prices are $8 for general admissions, $7 for senior citizens and students (any age, any school), and free for WCC students (with a student I.D.).
Tickets will be available at the box office in Johnson Lobby of Snyder Auditorium which opens thirty minutes before each performance. Tickets may also be reserved by calling 276-223-4795 or by emailing wcctheatre@wcc.vccs.edu.
###