Talent spotlighted in Playhouse's "Greater Tuna"

June 11, 2017 at 12:00a.m.

By Eric McCrea

Youngstown

When intolerance seems to be rampant, The Youngstown Playhouse offers a chance to laugh off the circus with the popular “Greater Tuna.” Centered around the WKKK radio station, the overflowing basket of residents in the third-smallest town in Texas entertain for two hours.

Your typical “Tuna” production limits its cast to two members, who perform all 20 parts, but director Pat Foltz passed on the gimmick and focused on character. Bolstering the show with five of the area’s best actresses, Foltz was able to curtail the hectic costume changes, and make the show a real character-based showcase of talent. Choosing to take an all-female approach was pure brilliance.

The plot is loose, giving more of a day-in-the-life look at small-town southern America. The humor is satirical, poking jabs at closed-minded mentalities. The events unfold between the morning news and nightly sign-off. The morning bulletin includes announcements about a record burning and a meeting about book banning, but it’s the reminder of the judge’s funeral that ultimately comes to fruition.

Candace DiLullo starts the show as Arles Struvie with the news, quickly setting the tone. She served sausage as Hank Bumiller, but her biggest contribution was as the frantic and top-heavy Bertha Bumiller. Like a post-hurricane Miss Yvonne, she carried a decent amount of the first act. She was able to wrangle a kennel of dogs while making breakfast, managing children and taking a moment for an interview.

As Thurston Wheelis, Cyndi Plyler opened alongside DiLullo, but she was a strong standout as Pearl Burras, the granny with a knack for offing canines. A scene in the second act allowed her to show some depth to her comedic skills. She also was memorable as the high-spirited and athletic Rev. Spikes and perpetually hopeful Phinas Blye.

Local legend Denise Sculli showed how she earned her reputation with a menagerie of bold parts. Her Harold Dean Lattimer was animated and dialogue heavy, but she didn’t miss a beat. Her boisterous delivery of Sheriff Givens received some big laughs. However, it was her performance as Petey Fisk that stole hearts.

Joanna Andrei showed extensive range playing all three Bumiller siblings. Her Jody was the definition of cuteness. Her Charlene had a teenage authenticity that approached scary. Her Stanley was subtle, but packed with realness. Her Didi Snavely showed more of her range, as a cold, lethality enthusiast.

Molly Galano makes an impactful appearance as business-up-front station manager Ronnie C. Beauchamp. Despite the singular, silent role, Galano was hilariously unforgettable.

The minimal set worked well, allowing talent to get the full spotlight. Costumes and wigs also were a huge component of the show, and despite the reduced number of quick changes, there was still plenty of fast-paced backstage action.

“Greater Tuna” will run at 2:30 p.m. today and at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For reservations, call 330-788-8739.