Theatre Statesville begins two-week run of ‘Greater Tuna’ (Photos)

**Pictured (from left) are Corey Johnson and Dalton Isaac, co-stars of the Theatre Statesville production of “Greater Tuna.”**

BY MIKE FUHRMAN

It’s difficult to pick a favorite character in “Greater Tuna.”

In the Theatre Statesville production of the comedy, which opened Thursday night, actors Dalton Isaac and Corey Johnson bring 20 characters to life in a fast-paced exploration of life in a mostly backwoods Texas town.

Director Jennifer Grant describes the production as “organized chaos.”

While the play, written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard, premiered 45 years ago, it remains relevant — and funny — today. The absurdity of efforts to ban books from the library — and remove words from the dictionary — by the local chapter of the Smut Snatchers of the New Order might hit a little too close to home for those who follow our local school board. But great art has a way of holding a mirror up to society and exposing its flaws.

“It’s a parody and a tribute to small-town life,” Grant explained.

The collection of characters — from Bertha Bumiller, the harried mother of three, to Greater Tuna Humane Society employee Petey Fisk — has plenty to say about life in Tuna.

Johnson’s portrayal of Reverend Sipes, in a spirited eulogy of the town’s recently departed judge, is the most memorable moment of the local production, but Isaac’s ability to move seamlessly between the roles of teen siblings Charlene and Stanley Burmiller and gun shop owner Didi Snavely is equally impressive. The chemistry between the actors is the best when they are radio personalities Arles Struvie and Thurston Wheelis, commenting on the minutiae of everyday life in Tuna.

While it’s a technically a two-man show, Johnson and Isaac could not pull of this impressive production without a little help. Michelle Wagoner and Terry Evans never appear on stage, but the show would not be possible without their contributions. As Isaac and Johnson exit the stage between scenes, Wagoner and Evans are there to help them quickly slide into their costumes for the next scene — sometimes in a matter of seconds.

“These two are definitely the unsung heroes,” Grant said.

All shows are at Avenue 316, located at 316 Sharon School Road in western Iredell County.