Seasonal favorites fill area's holiday bills

Photo by Photo courtesy of Bartlett Community Theatre

Joe Broy (left) and John M. Hemphill, seen as two of their many characters from Tuna, Texas, return to the Bartlett Performing and Conference Center Dec. 17-20 to portray almost 20 of them in "A Tuna Christmas."

"If you smell tuna, it must be Christmas."

Those inspirational words come from Ann Marie Hall, director of "A Tuna Christmas" at the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center.

Photo by Photo courtesy of Bartlett Community Theatre

Joe Broy (left) and John M. Hemphill, seen as two of their many characters from Tuna, Texas, return to the Bartlett Performing and Conference Center Dec. 17-20 to portray almost 20 of them in "A Tuna Christmas."

Hall and her versatile cast of two — John Hemphill and Joe Broy — did "Greater Tuna" at BPACC two years ago, so there's plenty of familiarity in this seasonal favorite from Bartlett Community Theatre.

There is plenty of good chemistry established between the actors who handle a score of characters. And Hall provides ample holiday warmth in her direction: "So far the experience is good, and I haven't had to threaten anyone yet."

Recent productions at BPACC have been intimate affairs with both play and audience on the venue's stage.

But this time there are, as Hall says, flying Christmas trees. And aliens landing. So rather than jam production and theatergoers together, they'll have the audience in the auditorium proper so they can do proper technical wizardry on stage.

And maybe get more people in to see it — attendance at "Greater Tuna" was sold out last time.

Meanwhile in Millington, Playhouse 51 is bringing "A Christmas Story" to the stage. This is the theatrical version of the film favorite in which Ralphie would gladly risk getting his eye shot out for a "legendary official Red Ryder 200-Shot Carbine Action Range Model Air Rifle."

Director Jane Lester said Playhouse 51 had been considering doing this production for some time now.

"Everyone, at one time or another, has wanted something so badly and has been told for one reason or another that they can't have it," she says.

"So we're all right in there cheering Ralphie on. After all, what if there were an attack of wild raccoons? How would we protect ourselves?"

Lester said Playhouse 51 was "looking for something new and refreshing" for the holidays.

"We kept going back to 'A Christmas Story' and we decided we'd try to meet the challenge," she said. "We bit off a lot, but I don't think it's more than we can chew."

"A Tuna Christmas"

Dec. 17-20 at the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center, 3663 Appling, 8 p.m., Dec. 17, 18 and 19 and a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Dec. 20. Advance tickets, $9.99; at the door, $18. Call 385-6440.

"A Christmas Story"

At the Millington Civic Center, 8077 Wilkinsville Rd. 8 p.m. today and Saturday and Dec. 18-19; 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $12, $10 for students and seniors. Call 872-7170.

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