Tuna, Texas is a nice place to visit, especially during the holidays. The Legacy Theatre invites everyone to come out and meet the unique characters of this small town as they prepare for the annual light display contest and try to solve the mystery of who the Christmas phantom is in “Tuna Christmas,” the second play in the Tuna series, written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard. The plays are rollicking comedies best known for their use of two actors playing all the roles. Mark Smith, the artistic director at the Legacy Theatre, and David Dorrell reprise their roles from “Greater Tuna” for this holiday show.
Smith and Dorrell play 11 roles each and there are 24 costume changes in the show, some occurring in close to 15 seconds. Each actor has a crew member that is responsible solely for helping them with their quick changes. The “wow” factor is certainly part of the show’s charm, but all of the plays in the “Tuna” series lean on a fantastic sense of humor and a good heart.

Smith did “Greater Tuna” first in 2002 with director Scott Bradley at the helm. Bradley is directing this show and since Smith and Dorrell, former artistic director for Newnan Community Theatre, have directing backgrounds themselves, he sees his role as a third pair of eyes on the show.

“This one is more difficult than the original,” said Smith, noting that there are more sound and technical issues, as well as more characters. “You don’t see the whole picture if you’re in it.”
Bradley agrees that “Tuna Christmas” is a larger undertaking but because of his actors experience, he is there to guide the performances and make sure things run smoothly amid the controlled chaos of the show.

All agree that while “Tuna Christmas” is technically a sequel, you don’t need to have seen the first to understand the show.

“It’s not an inside joke,” said Dorrell. “You actually may enjoy the first show more if you see this one first.”
“Tuna Christmas” takes place on Christmas Eve and everyone in town is uptight about the yard display contest and the Christmas phantom who has ruined the holiday in years past. In a season where holiday shows tend to be very similar or familiar, “Tuna Christmas” stands out as something unique and very entertaining.

One of Smith’s favorite characters to play is Dixie DeBerry, a cantankerous nonagenarian who enjoys karate and Lionel Richie. Dorrell’s favorite is Aunt Pearl, a female character that reminds him of his aunts.

The cast and director stress that while it is goofy and funny, it doesn’t mock the characters or their southern sensibilities.

“We know these people,” said Bradley. “It is hilarious, but also genuine.”
The show is appropriate for everyone (rated PG says the cast) but the little ones and Smith stated that it is a perfect show for the family during the holiday season.

“You’ll be able to see qualities of your family members in these characters,” Smith added.

“Tuna Christmas” runs Fridays through Sundays, from Nov. 27- Dec. 20. Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and students and $15 for children 12 and under. Phone 404-895-1473 or visit www.thelegacytheatre.org to order your tickets.

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