It's easy to see why "A Tuna Christmas" is described as a "red-neck comedy" and at the same time is a "poignant and touching" holiday play after five minutes of watching rehearsals at Douglas High School.
Described as "a hoot" by the New York Times, "A Tuna Christmas" will be performed by the Douglas High School theater department 8 p.m. today and Saturday and Dec. 7-8, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance Dec. 9.
On Wednesday afternoon, the cast prepared for opening night with the technical rehearsal. Through a few scenes - with sparse sets and a black backdrop, most containing little more than a Christmas tree - the actors went over their spicy lines, making their characters sound like authentic Texans with their southern accents.
"Mama told me I was marryin' the original missing link, but I wouldn't listen. Too late now," lamented Rachel Anderson, who plays Didi Snavely.
Set in the mythical town of Tuna, the play covers the comedic Christmas activities of the third-smallest town in Texas, including the Yard Display Contest and the search for the Christmas Phantom.
"A Tuna Christmas" is the second in a trilogy of comedic plays - preceded by "Greater Tuna" and followed by "Red, White and Tuna" - each set the fictional town of Tuna. The trilogy was written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard. "Greater Tuna," debuted in 1981 in Austin; "A Tuna Christmas" debuted in 1989.
"A Tuna Christmas" was originally written for only two actors, but director/designer James Darby Scoggins expanded the number of actors to 10, and then divided up the 22 roles.
"It has been a great experience watching the students work on creating humorous and differing characters," said Scoggins. "The students' dedication to the project, and the patience and support of parents and loved ones, has made this somewhat frantic process exciting and enjoyable."
Performances will take place in the Douglas High School theater, located at 1670 Highway 88 in Minden. The house opens 30 minutes before each performance and there is no late seating. Cost for the event is $5 for students and seniors, $8 for adults. Tickets may be purchased at the door. The comedy is not recommended for children younger than 13.
Cast and crew:
Arles Struvie/Stanley Bumiller/Joe Bob Lipsey - Nate Schaller
Bertha Bumiller - Morgan Davis
Inita Goodwin - Allison Hines
Helen Bedd/Didi Snavely - Rachel Anderson
Aunt Pearl Burras/Vera Carp - Ashley Smith
Thurston Wheelis/R.R. Snavely - Jesus Palma
Petey Fisk/Farley Burkhalter - Michael Magno
Jody Bumiller/Charlene Bumiller/Phoebe Burkhalter - Jamie Jameson
Sheriff Givens/Garland Poteet/Leonard Childers - Connor Woodman
Dixie Deberry/Ike Thompson - Rachel Kiehne
Understudy - Jacob Reid
Performance stage manager/light board operator - Analyse Klekar
Rehearsal stage manager - Casey Cotter
Assistant stage manager - Desiree Davis
Sound board operator - Emily Chessell
Stage crew - Samantha Cobb, Desiree Davis, Analyse Klekar, Tiera Johnson
Costume design - Avery Carrig
Costume crew - Morgan Davis
Director/designer - James Darby Scoggins
