OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala Civic Theatre (OCT) is gearing up for holiday cheer with the comedy A Tuna Christmas, running Dec. 4-15, 2024. A Southern-fried satire set in Tuna, Texas—the third-smallest town in the state—the show promises big laughs, quirky characters, and lightning-fast costume changes.
Melody Murphy, Director of Marketing & Public Relations for OCT, highlights the show’s humor: “This show is outrageously funny, just a wild ride of a good time. If you cry, it will be tears of laughter.” She adds, A Tuna Christmas offers much-needed fun amid the holiday rush. “It will do people good just to sit down and laugh – and maybe recognize a relative or two among all these characters.”
The comedy features two versatile actors, John Allsopp and Scott Fitzgerald, who portray 20 eccentric characters. “Through crazy-fast costume changes, these two actors play all the oddball citizens of quirky little Tuna, Texas,” Murphy explains. “Their comic timing is impeccable. You will marvel at how they manage it all!”
Set during Tuna’s holiday season, the story revolves around a Yuletide yard display competition, disrupted by a mischievous “phantom” vandal. From coyotes under starry skies to Jell-O molds at every party, the play captures Texas charm with a satirical twist.
OCT’s Executive and Artistic Director Greg Thompson praises the series: “Satire is one of the few places in society where we can still speak truth to power and get a good laugh… The Tuna plays feature flawed, funny human beings doing the best they can, making them all the more relatable.”
Directed by Eric Nightengale, with costumes by Amanda Jones and scenic design by Kaden Reynard, the production offers a polished holiday treat.
Tickets are $35 for adults and $17 for youth, available at ocalacivictheatre.com or by calling 352.236.2274. Don’t miss this festive laugh-out-loud comedy!