Back By Popular Demand! Don’t Miss The Hilarious Holiday Comedy, “a Tuna Christmas”

Oct. 24, 2011 - PRLog -- Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF (OST) continues its 2011-2012 Signature Series with A Tuna Christmas, playing November 30 – December 30, 2011 at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center. In this hilarious sequel to Greater Tuna, the outrageously funny and much loved characters of Tuna, Texas are back just in time for the holiday season!

Join all the Tuna characters as they attempt to cope with the traumas and dramas of the holidays!  Local radio personalities, Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie, report that the Christmas festivities are in jeopardy and no nativity scene is safe! Didi Snavely (who runs the used gun shop), her husband R.R. (who sees UFO’s as his rescue from marriage), Aunt Pearl (who poisons poodles trespassing on her yard) and all their neighbors are on a rampage because the “phantom” is destroying holiday displays before the annual prizes are awarded.  With their deft comedic timing, trademark characterizations and split-second costume changes, master comedians Michael Kevin Baldwin and Mark Lainer portray all 24 polyester-clad citizens of Texas’ mythical third-smallest town where the “Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.”

Critics have raved: “This show is so funny. It’s far too good just for Christmas,” states the New York Post.  “Everything in Tuna is bigger and brighter, from the accents and hair to the sight gags and special touches (where do you even find adult-sized footie pajamas?),” states the Orlando Sentinel. “There’s plenty to ho-ho-ho about. A Tuna Christmas is a delightful gift for longtime Tuna fans and newcomers alike,” exclaims The Dallas Morning News.

Directed by Associate Artistic Director Patrick Flick, the artistic team includes Mary Heffernan (Lighting Designer), Stacy Renee Norwood (Stage Manager), Britt Sandusky (Sound Designer), Bert Scott (Scenic Designer) and Kristina Tollefson (Costume Designer).

A Tuna Christmas is made possible by Massey Services, Inc and UBS. Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts campaign and by State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council.

WHAT
A Tuna Christmas
Written by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams
Directed by Patrick Flick

WHERE
Orlando Shakespeare Theater in the Margeson Theater
Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803

WHEN
November 30 – December 30, 2011 – ON SALE NOW!

DATES AND PRICES
Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm - all seats $20, $28, $34
Friday and Saturday at 8pm – all seats $26, $32, $38
Sunday at 2pm – all seats $20, $28, $34

DISCOUNTS
Group Sales: 10% off groups of 10-19 / 20% off groups of 20+, ext. 265
Student Rush: $10 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID
Military/Student Price: $10 off single ticket prices
Gift certificates now available!

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Preview Nights:    November 30 and December 1 at 7pm - all seats $16
Opening Night:    December 2 at 8pm - all seats $26, $32, $38
Dates & Times:    Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm - all seats $20, $28, $34
Friday and Saturday at 8pm – all seats $26, $32, $38
Sunday at 2pm – all seats $20, $28, $34
Senior Matinee:    December 7, 21, and 28 at 2pm  - all seats $15
$20 Under 30:       December 9 at 8pm
Chat Back:       December 15 at 7pm
Caption Display:    December 28 at 2pm

OPENING NIGHT FESTIVITIES
Opening Night pre-show chats provide audiences with the opportunity to further connect with the work on Orlando Shakes’ stages. Join "A Tuna Christmas" director, Patrick Flick, and members of the creative team in the Patron’s Room on Friday, December 2 from 7:15 - 7:45pm for an informal discussion about the play.

After the show, audience members are invited to celebrate with the cast, crew, designers and Orlando Shakes staff at the Opening Night Party. The party begins after the show (approx. 10pm) and everyone is invited. Edible Orlando will provide delicious complimentary hors d’oeuvres. The night will also feature happy hour specials at our cash bar. No RSVP necessary.

Single tickets and Season Flex Passes are available by calling (407) 447-1700 or online at http://www.orlandoshakes.org and in person at the Box Office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando’s Loch Haven Cultural Park.

WEBSITE:
Please visit http://www.orlandoshakes.org/pr for recent press releases, more information about the cast, and upcoming special events. Please contact Melissa Mason, Director of Marketing at 407-447-1700 ext. 215 or melissam@orlandoshakes.org for further details or to arrange for individual interviews.

PHOTO CREDITS:
Production photos will be online by November 30, 2011 at http://www.flickr.com/orlandoshakes.

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ABOUT ORLANDO SHAKESPEARE THEATER
Now celebrating its 23rd season, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF has grown into one of the region’s most acclaimed Equity theaters producing bold professional theater in Central Florida. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director Shannon Lacek, Orlando Shakespeare Theater continues to achieve the highest standards, while preserving its artistic and cultural legacy. Through PlayFest! The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays, Orlando Shakespeare Theater is nationally recognized for its contribution to the development of new plays. Orlando Shakes also provides innovative educational experiences through its youth education programming, serving over 25,000 young people, families, and schools annually.