‘Tis the season to be laughing
Historic Helper City, Utah November 16, 2010—What do two disc jockeys at radio station OKKK, the members of the Smut Snatchers of the New Order, two very different twins, a child who is constantly followed by a pack of dogs, a Humane Society employee wrecked by the plight of ducks, a cranky old lady who poisons poodles, a UFO- spotting nut job, a city council candidate who wants to tax prisoners and a used weapons dealer have in common? They all live in Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas!
Historic Helper City, Utah November 16, 2010—What do two disc jockeys at radio station OKKK, the members of the Smut Snatchers of the New Order, two very different twins, a child who is constantly followed by a pack of dogs, a Humane Society employee wrecked by the plight of ducks, a cranky old lady who poisons poodles, a UFO- spotting nut job, a city council candidate who wants to tax prisoners and a used weapons dealer have in common? They all live in Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas!
Join radio announcers Thurston Wheeler and Arles Struvie (when they remember to turn on their transmitter) and a cast of 20 wacky Tuna residents (all portrayed by only two actors!) for this fast-paced, quick-change comedy that is a perfect laugh fest for the holidays.
Morgan Lund (artistic director of The OtherSide Players) has performed the bold, irreverent and bawdy “Greater Tuna”( by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears & Ed Howard) twice before—once in Cleveland, Ohio at the Porthouse Theatre and last year in Kentucky at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. It has become one of his most beloved plays and one of the most produced plays in the U.S. His favorite character in Tuna is Bertha, loving Mother and concerned Tuna citizen.
Asked why he likes Bertha, Lund replies “She’s got really neat heart. She’s the heart and soul of the play.” Others say it is because he gets to dress up in a pair of pumps and a polyester pant suit. Lund continues, “I think the audience is in for a great time with lots of laughs that will make this holiday season a memorable one.”
Justin Ivie is well-known and well-loved in Salt Lake City for his hilarious appearances in “Saturday’s Voyeur”—the long running musical review at The Salt Lake Acting Company. He holds a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in music, dance and theatre from Weber State University and a master’s of fine arts in acting form Northern Illinois University. He has an impressive resume which also includes performances at the Old Lyric Repertory Theatre in Logan, The Pioneer Theatre in Salt Lake and the Egyptian Theatre in Park City.
Justin says he is “happier than a hog at a vegan convention to represent one half of the fine people of Tuna, Texas to y’all here at the Rio Theatre.” He also designs scenery and theatrical masks, writes an occasional play, and sometimes even plays the banjo when he’s pretty sure no one is listening. This is his premiere performance at The Rio Theatre with The OtherSide Players.
Todd Olsen of USU/College of Eastern Utah will be directing the production.
Reserved advance tickets are only $15! That’s professional theatre at small town prices! This show will sell fast so you must call early for tickets to get the best seats.
Where: The Rio Theatre, 210 S. Main St., Helper. Utah dates & times: Dec. 9–12 & 16–19; Thu., Fri. & Sat. @ 7:30 p.m.; Sun. matinee @ 2 p.m. Tickets: Adults: Advance $15; At the Door $18; Students: $8; Groups 10+: $12
For more ticket and theatre information call (435) 472-ARTS (2787) Email: [email protected] FaceBook: The Rio Theatre, Helper, Utah
