BWW Reviews: GREATER TUNA – Still Funny After All These Years

It's been 30 years since we were first introduced to Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas, where the Lions Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. The 20 Tuna residents -- men, women, children and a dog -- are portrayed by only two performers, R. Michael Clinkscales and Will Mercer, in a hilarious look at rural Texas life. There is a universality to this script, written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, that is the reason it has held up so beautifully over the years. This current production, staged by The Wimberley Players and directed by Aaron Johnson, is a thoroughly enjoyable evening and R. Michael Clinkscales and Will Mercer more than do justice to this Texas treasure.

Everything about this production is first rate. From the gorgeous set design of Carlo Dringenberg, down to the lights by Bill Peeler and costumes by Rebecca Flippo... everything strikes the right notes.

But the real selling point of the show is in the two performers who star in multiple roles: R. Michael Clinkscales and Will Mercer.

Clinkscales does a terrific job, especially as Petey Fisk and Jody Bumiller. Mercer is absolutely brilliant throughout the evening, giving a tour de force performance. He is not only a great character actor, he is also exceptionally good at physical comedy and pantomime. His ability to establish the reality of imaginary doors and walls is astonishing... and his business with wrangling a non-existent phone cord is a class in miming all by itself. While I found all of his characters wonderful, I especially enjoyed his portrayals of Bertha Bumiller and Pearl Burras. He gave us real people rather than caricatures.

If you've never visited Tuna, Texas (or even if you have) do yourself a favor and check out one of the funniest shows to ever come out of the Lone Star State now playing in the charming town of Wimberley.

GREATER TUNA by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard

Running time: Approximately 2 hours including one intermission.

GREATER TUNA, produced by Terri Bisett for The Wimberley Players (450 Old Kyle Road, Wimberley, TX). Performances run through 05/17: Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:30 pm.
Reservations: www.wimberleyplayers.org or call the Box Office at 512-847-0575.

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