DURANGO, Colo. – An evening of tour de farce theater comes to Durango Saturday, May 2, 7 p.m., as the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College stages the long-running theatrical comedy “Greater Tuna.”
The satire paints a panoramic view of life in rural Texas, and Greater Tuna is purportedly the third smallest town. The Lion’s Club is too liberal, Patsy Cline never dies, the Smut-Snatchers are ever vigilant and the annual high school essay contest produces entries such as “Human Rights – Why Bother?” and “Living With Radiation.”
“Greater Tuna” had its genesis in 1981 when its three creators – Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and director Ed Howard – began ad-libbing about a political cartoon at an Austin party. Within a few years, the show became a long-running Off-Broadway hit and would spin off two sequels, merit an HBO taping with Norman Lear directing, and earn a command performance at the White House and an overseas run. By 1985, “Greater Tuna” was the most produced play in the United States.
The show chronicles a day in Tuna, beginning with the morning broadcast from radio station OKKK, and wandering in and out of the homes and businesses of the citizens of this lively community. UFO sightings, celebrity murder and a used weapon sale all contribute to the laugh ‘til you cry comedy.
Key to success of the show is that the citizens of Tuna, including such colorful characters as Arles Struvie, Thurston Wheelis, Aunt Pearl, Petey Fisk, Phineas Bly and Reverend Spikes, are portrayed by only two actors who perform amazing, quick costume and character changes.
Promoted as a loving portrait of rural America – big hearts, small minds and all, the Washington Post wrote, “Hilarious – a tribute to the art of acting.”
Tickets for “Greater Tuna - $20 for Orchestra and Balcony and $25 for Plaza – are available on the web at www.durangoconcerts.com or by calling 970.247.7657, or at the Ticket Office in Downtown Durango at 7th and Main Ave. All sales final.
Showtime is 7 p.m., with doors to the Concert Hall and concessions, serving beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, opening at 6 p.m.
The Community Concert Hall is located in the growing arts complex of Fort Lewis College. It operates through a partnership with the college, a state-supported, independent institution of higher education, as well as the city of Durango, and with financial and in-kind contributions from generous members of the community.
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