Three Key Westers have reunited to present the comedy, “A Tuna Christmas,” opening Tuesday, Dec. 19 at Red Barn Theatre, 319 Duval St. #2.
For the first show of the Red Barn’s 44th season, Mike Marrero will direct David Black and Brandon Beach in the play that is part of a series written by Jason Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, each set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas. The two actors must play 22 eccentric characters – 11 each – crossing multiple genders and ages.
The plot centers around the town’s annual Christmas Yard Display Contest, as a mysterious “Christmas Phantom,” known for vandalizing the displays, threatens to throw the contest into turmoil. There are nearly a dozen other subplots, from radio personalities trying to report on the yuletide activities, to the local production of ”A Christmas Carol” about to be shut down for unpaid electric bills.
“The fast character and costume changes happen almost instantly,” Beach said. “It’s a crazy show and the audience will definitely have fun with it — they’ll never know what to expect next.”
“It’s quick, it’s fast and it’s fun,” Marrero added. “It’s about having a good time for the holidays, and leaving with a smile on your face.”
Marrero plans to make sure the holiday spirit is everywhere for the shows. “I want to make the Barn itself look like the Griswolds’ (from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” film). I want the audience to enter Tuna, Texas, with lights, decorations and eggnog — the whole skewed world of that crazy town.”
The chemistry that comes from Marrero, Black and Beach — three longtime friends and collaborators — gives the show an authenticity and genuine sense of humor. The trio’s reunion promises to fulfill the theater’s stated season intent of “Ready for a Wild Ride,” said Bob Bowersox, marketing director of Red Barn Theatre.
“Mike and I have worked together for so long and in so many capacities, it’s one of those scenarios where you’re working with people who speak the same language, know each other so well, see eye to eye,” Beach said. “And we all share the same twisted sense of humor, which is perfect for this show.”
