"Greater Tuna" Celebrates 30 Years On Stage
RICHARDSON (CBSDFW.COM) - They have been at it for 30 years! Texans Jaston Williams and Joe Sears knew back in 1981 that their keen, but slightly twisted, observations of friends and family from little towns around Texas would make great material for a show and -- voila! -- "Greater Tuna" was born.
Based in Austin for three decades, the long-time friends and collaborators created three more "Tuna" tales over the years -- "A Tuna Christmas," "Red, White and Tuna" and "A Tuna Vegas." Now, they've pulled a few favorites from the over 30 characters that they have brought to life for "A Greater Tuna: 30 Years of Laughter" at the Eisemann Center, currently being performed through Sunday.
The two-act play feels brand new, and the crowds are loving it! The man I sat next to (as well as many in the packed audience) was actually saying the lines right along with the actors -- that's how beloved these performers are! Williams said that the fanbase is fierce! Loyal and proud, they come to see the performances over and over again. In fact, the Eisemann Center booked the new show for three weeks due to demand.
After three decades, the two jovial friends believe that it may be time to move onto solo careers. Both now teach comedy and acting as well, and Williams is busy raising a family. But they remain grateful and so proud of the now iconic characters that they created back in the '80s. They've performed Off-Broadway, produced the show for HBO, entertained at the White House... and somewhere around the world, there always seems to be a local production of the quirky, but loveable citizens of the third smallest town in Texas, being performed to sold out and very happy, laughing audiences. Williams said that it's been remarkable to bring so much joy to so many fans for 30 years and, in turn, it has brought him much joy.
I have enjoyed their hysterical quick-change shenanigans for many years myself and, even though I know all entertainers need to keep moving forward, I still hope this won't be the last time we have a chance to see Arliss, Pearl, Didi and the rest of these memorable Texans. Heck, they feel like family to me now, and I sure would miss them come holiday time!
"A Greater Tuna: 30 Years of Laughter" continues at the Eisemann Center in Richardson though Sunday, March 4.
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