When you see a play over and over and over again, with different casts in different theaters, and still enjoy each and every performance, it must be classified as a classic. Kind of like Shakespeare, I guess. Well Greater Tuna and all its children may not be Shakespeare but it is a classic.
The current production at Stillwater, Oklahoma’s Town and Gown Theatre is no acceptation. While the in the round (square) theatre has its audience sight line drawbacks, the performances of the current Greater Tuna, staring Kyle Shifflett and Seth Phillips, is recommended entertainment.
The Friday evening I saw it, the audience, of venerable experience and age, got all the double meanings, clichés and character identifications, which made them most vocal with gales of laughter. I’m not sure I have been in an audience of this play with such an abundance of laughter.
I need not go into the plot particulars, or describe how the set and pantomimed props are mere suggestions, as that adds to the ‘suspension of disbelief’ needed in real theatre. You are watching a play (even though the characters seem real enough) so use your imagination for kitchen doors, bitter pills, dogs, drinks, telephones, etc.
“I never sleep well when there is no strychnine in the house.” The dialogue, lived by eccentric characters, is classic and the reason that Tuna continues to swim on and on.
Directed by Patt Ward Curtin, you deserve to paddle on up to Stillwater Oklahoma to catch this particular TUNA before it swims elsewhere, Feb 17th.
For tickets visit: www.townandgown.org
Comments