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Charleston Post-Carver
By Lawrence M. Vanilla |
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"Greater Tuna" made its Charleston debut Friday night at the Emmett Robinson Theatre at the College of Charleston to a full and appreciative house. The Karl Allison and Bryan Bantry production lived up to advance publicity in every way.
The play, written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, opened in October 1982 and has already enjoyed a successful run off-Broadway. The show also has been well received at theatrical centers across the country including sold-out performances at the Kennedy Center.
It is about a small town in Texas and radio station OKKK. It is redneck America at its best. Thc 20 characters created by Jaston Williams and Joe Sears are caricatures of individuals we have all known. Fictional though they are, the characters come to life through the masterful acting of Williams and Sears.
Taking us through a day in the life of Tuna, Texas, station OKKK provides the latest local news and a strong diet of country music. The news previews the several scenes that are to follow including: the sighting of a UFO by R.R. Snavely, the death of the hanging judge, the purging of books from libraries and words from dictionaries as well as the activities of the local KKK.
The play is presented in two acts, six scenes in each. Within each scene there may be as many as three or four character changes. The changes are accomplished with lightning-quick speed. Primary among the characters are Thurston Wheelis, Bertha Bumiller, Aunt Pearl Burras and the Rev. Spikes, all played by Sears. Williams' contributions include Didi Snavely, Petey Fisk, Stanley Bumiller, Charlene Bumiller, and Vera Carp. The portrayals of these Tuna inhabitants are hilarious.
When little Jody Bumiller brings home a stray pup he is chastised by his mother, Bertha, to "Get that damn dog out of here, no normal child ought to have eight dogs." But Bertha, who is steel outside and mush inside, melts when the puppy wags its tail - and pup has found a home. The amazing thing about the scene is, though imaginary, you would swear the dogs were real. Bravo!
In the interview scene, when asked by the reporter what book were to be removed from the shelves of the libraries, Bertha calmly replies, "Roots" - we think both sides of the slavery issue should be shown. Another work to be removed was "Romeo and Juliet" - 'cause it tells about teen-age sex.
Ed Howard, the third author, is to be comended for his effective, and imaginative direction. A simple, but practical set was created by Kevin Rupnik. Judy Rasmuson's lighting was deft and subtle with the main scene changes needed. Costumes by Linda Fisher had to be extremely practical for the wardrobe changes effected by Williams and Sears.
Piccolo Spoleto is fortunate to have "Greater Tuna" among its offerings. Remaining performances: June l at 3 and 6 p.m., June 2 at and 6 p.m., June 3-5 at 9 p.m.
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