Theatre Review: WOBT’s “Greater Tuna” delivers plenty of laughs

Volume 7, Issue 3, March 2008

Theatre Review:
WOBT’s “Greater Tuna” delivers plenty of laughs

(Your response goes here.)

Write a letter to the editor: Holler@capcityfreepress.com Just include your full name, and city/county, state and/or country from which you are writing. (Your email address will NOT be posted with your letter.)

Joseph O. Patton
Editor and Publisher
Capital City Free Press

Prattville’s Way Off Broadway Theatre is delivering again with a solid production of what began simply as a party skit over 20 years ago. Written by Joe Sears, Jaston Williams and Ed Howard, “Greater Tuna” is truly hilarious satire, made even more humorous by the script only calling for two actors to portray an entire town full of oddball characters.

The original play has since evolved into a trilogy to include “A Tuna Christmas” and “Red, White and Tuna.”

The action simply follows a typical day in the life of the town’s citizens, held together by the programs of the local radio station, which serve as a type of narration. Theategoers are given a glimpse into their lives, ranging from a girl’s heartache over not making the cheerleading team and the nuttiness of a weapons dealer, to a drunk who sees UFOs and a sadistic woman out to poison her neighbors’ dogs.

William Harper and Allen Herrod deserve a wealth of praise for their attention to detail, discipline and uncanny knack for comedy. They bring a massive amount of energy to their characters, which is even more impressive considering this is in addition to the exhausting demands of constant costume changes and jumping from one personality to the other. Keeping their multiple personalities from bleeding into each other is a bona fide feat and a testament to their dedication to the production.

Of special note are Harper’s portrayal of Pearl Burras and Herrod’s presentation of Petey Fisk and Charlene Bumiller. It has been ages since I actually laughed out loud during a theatrical performance, and this production bears the honor of having broken that streak.

Lynne Stinchcomb Pollingue’s direction is tight, though working with the talents Harper and Herrod must make it easier. Keeping the circus of this show moving by managing the tricky timing and keeping the characters straight is further proof of Pollingue’s directing prowess.

The Way Off Broadway Theatre production of “Greater Tuna” continues through March 16 - 203 West 4th Street. Tickets are on sale at Bank Trust [formerly Peoples Bank and Trust] - Downtown Prattville: 334. 361.3029. Tickets are also available at the door for performances.

Next up for the WOBT is the musical “The Fantasticks.”