Greater Tuna, a Sebastian Studio Project
As an addition to its season, the Saint Sebastian Players (SSP), partnering with Such Devoted Sisters Productions, presents a Sebastian Studio Project, Greater Tuna by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard. Performances run December 7–10 at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey (enter on Marshfield), Chicago.Greater Tuna is the first in a series of four comedic plays (followed by A Tuna Christmas; Red, White and Tuna; and Tuna Does Vegas), each set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas, the “third-smallest” town in the state. The plays are at once an affectionate comment on small-town, Southern life and attitudes and a withering satire of them. Noteworthy is that two actors (usually men) play the entire cast of more than 20 eccentric characters of both genders and various ages. Greater Tuna debuted in Austin, Texas in 1981 and had its off-Broadway premiere in 1982. St. Vincent Summer Theatre produced the play in 2000. Among the reviews:“Howlingly funny.” – Variety“The audience all but exploded the theatre with laughter.” – New York Post“Hilarious, a tribute to the art of acting” – Washington Post“Sharp, satiric, and funny” – New YorkerPlaying the 20-plus citizens of Greater Tuna are Sandra Leander and Robert-Eric West*. The production team includes consulting director Renae Stone*, producer Jim Masini*, sound and lighting designers Jonathan Hagloch and John Oster*, and dressers Natalie Reff* and Jessica Woodburn (* denotes SSP company member).