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NEW CASTLE PLAYHOUSE Duo is right at home in ‘Tuna’
By STEPHANIE OTTEY
Not often do two theaters in this area do the same show in a season. Even less often do they occur within two months of one another.
However, the production of “Greater Tuna” that runs at the New Castle Playhouse through Feb. 26 is the first of two chances audiences will have to see the Southern comedy within the next six weeks. Salem Community Theater will stage the show March 23-April 1.
“Greater Tuna,” written by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Laston Williams, peeks into the lives of the residents of Tuna, Texas. Through the unifying forces of the local radio station OKKK, the audience meets dozens of members from the conservative Tuna community. Upward of 20 characters come to life, and are all played by only two actors.
Jeffrey Hall and Alan McCreary unite as one funny duo in New Castle’s production. Both veterans to the stage, McCreary and Hall master the show from all angles. Despite a plethora of quick changes and heaps of dialog to memorize, the two are calm and collected, never allowing the audience to see a moment of panic or chaos. They maintain a relaxed and purposeful pace that mirrors the tone of Tuna.
Alan McCreary displays a tremendous talent for physical and vocal comedy once again. His versatility is clear in his interpretation of awkward teenages Charlene Bumiller and her dopey twin brother, Stanley. McCreary’s role as catty Vera Carp demands laughter, while his sweet, lovable portrayal of animal-rights activist Petey Fisk warms hearts.
Jeffrey Hall is a chameleon on stage. Like McCreary, he tackles a laundry list of funny and diverse characters. His commitment to each role makes Hall nearly unrecognizable at times. He preaches with Southern wordplay as The Reverend Spikes, dumbly hunts flying objects as R.R. Snavely, and leaves an unforgettable imprint on the stage as the loveably villainous Aunt Pearl Burras.
The costumes do a great deal to aid in the actors’ abilities. Colorful, efficient and fitting, the costumes take the show from funny to hilarious. The wigs alone are enough to draw attention, and it’s difficult to believe that there is no single designer for the show.
The cast and crew work together to create the many looks in “Greater Tuna” and achieve greatness.
The set, although simple, is equally impressive. Jack Hanna, Sindy Hanna and Jerry Hanna create Tuna with nothing more than an antique radio and a few tables and chairs.
The shining star of the design is the beautifully painted landscape backdrop that alone develops the Tuna setting.
Director Peggy Hanna delivers a top-notch production in the Annex Theater. She utilizes the stage space thoroughly, allowing for surprise entrances and exits and some nicely handled audience interaction.