Greater Tuna is an off-Broadway hit in which two actors create the entire population of Tuna, Texas in a "tour-de-farce" of quick-change artistry of both costumes and comic characterizations.
There are over 20 characters portrayed in this show depicting a cross-section of the upstanding citizens of Tuna, Texas, the third-smallest town in the Lone Star State. The show is a hilarious send-up of small town mores.
About the Director
Having served continuously on the OCT Board of Directors since its incorporation in 1979, Ken Roberts has been involved in all facets of production. Serving as treasurer since 1985, he has also been involved as technical director, producer, actor, and master set builder for dozens of OCT productions as well as other area community theatre groups and high school drama clubs.
Ken has also directed several OCT shows including the 2000 production of Meet Me In St. Louis which earned him TANYS awards for direction and set design. He looks forward to Greater Tuna which will be a real theatrical challenge for the two actors on stage as well as for the backstage crew it will take to coordinate this fast-paced comedy.
7:30p Fri May 31
7:30p Sat June 1
2:00p Sun June 2
Quick Center, SBU
Director Ken Roberts has announced his cast and crew. Gene Rogers of Portville will fill the role of Arles Struvie and related characters. He will be joined on stage by Erik Oehler, a recent graduate of SBU, playing the part of Thurston Wheelis.
Joining the cast will be a backstage dressing chorus consisting of Joni Jackson, Fior Zinzi, Minna Badanes, and Paul Nelson. Tech Director, teching his first OCT show is long time stage manager Caddy Greenidge. Producer and costumer is Charlotte Roberts.
Few shows have sustained the longevity and popularity that Greater Tuna has enjoyed over the years. The Greater Tuna legend is now a matter of history - a history we are happy to share with you today.
The show began as a simple party skit based on a political cartoon more than 20 years ago in Austin, Texas. Talented creators Joe Sears, Jaston Williams and Ed Howard were the imaginative authors that parlayed the sketch into a critically acclaimed production which has entertained audiences across the country ever since.
Greater Tuna is the hilarious comedy about Texas' third smallest town, where the Lion's Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. The eclectic band of citizens that make up this town are portrayed by only two performers, making this satire on life in rural America even more delightful as they depict all of the inhabitants of Tuna -- men, women, children and animals.
