Tune in to Greater Tuna

The side-splitting satirical comedy "Greater Tuna" will be presented by The Panhandle Players at the Eastpoint Firehouse, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 25 and 26 at 8 p.m., and on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 3 p.m.

Written by Jason Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, this production is directed by Pam Vest, and stars Royce Rolstad III and Dan Wheeler who both play a total of 21, characters, male and female, as well as a small dog.

"Greater Tuna" refers to Tuna, Texas, the third smallest town in the state. The town may be small, but its citizens are larger than life!

Radio talk show hosts Arles Struvie (Royce Rolstad) and Thurston Wheelis (Dan Wheeler) lead the "studio" audience on an up-close and personal journey through a not-so-typical day in Tuna. In the course of this particular day, the news shifts from funny to freaky and back again as the two actors bring to life Tuna's unforgettable citizens (including pets) through a myriad of quick changes and theatrical ingenuity. It's a knock-down, drag out sort of show, not to be missed!

The second production in The Panhandle Players' 2007-2008 season, "Greater Tuna" is an actor's dream, allowing him to stretch his skills and talents in portraying many different characters, in different voices, in different costumes, and even different genders, all in one production. The play's authors even indicate that most props and many sound effects should be mimed by the actors.

"This play presents exciting challenges for Royce and Dan," Vest said, "but they are absolutely up to it, and are having way too much fun despite the hard work."

Both actors have seen the play presented in other venues, done by professional and amateur players, and both expressed the "long held desire to do Greater Tuna'" themselves.

"My favorite character was Petey Fisk, the Greater Tuna Humane Society's manager," said Rolstad who recalls seeing the play as a high school student. "He was a character I always wanted to play and I am thrilled to have the opportunity."

Wheeler has a special serendipitous attachment to the play, having recognized one of its authors, Joe Sears, as a long ago Oklahoma schoolmate, attending the same high school just a year apart.

"Even then, Sears was accomplished in theatre," Wheeler noted, "and the place names in the play are familiar from my hometown. They're not made up."

Tickets are $12 adults and $10 students, at the door of the Eastpoint Firehouse on 6th Street, Eastpoint, two blocks off Hwy 98, one hour before each performance, or call 670-8261.

Mature subject matter and humor. Additional information is available at www.panhandleplayers.com