There are many entertainment traditions for the Christmas holidays from movies to ballet.  From the movies we have “Miracle on 34th Street,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,”  “A Christmas Carol,” “Christmas Vacation,” “The Bishop’s Wife,” and others.  For a taste of the classical there are “The Nutcracker” and Handel’s “Messiah.”

A Tuna Christmas

I love all of the traditional classics, but one of my favorites is “Tuna Christmas.”  You haven’t heard of it?  Well, it may be more of a Texas classic.  It is a play set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas.  Jaston Williams  and Joe Sears  play all of the unforgettable characters by amazing quick costume changes that transform them from a variety of male to female characters and back again over and over.  The two have been performing their plays together for over thirty years.  “Tuna Christmas” is one of a series of hilariously funny plays set in this small Texas town.  The other plays are “Greater Tuna,” “Red, White and Tuna,” and “Tuna Does Las Vegas.”  

Wikipedia describes them this way.  “The plays are at once an affectionate comment on small-town, Southern life and attitudes but also a withering satire of same.”

You don’t have to be from a small Texas town to enjoy it, but it helps!  If you need a break from the serious insanity of the holidays, consider seeing this one.  You will never forget Aunt Pearl and Vera!  Here is a sample interview with Joe Sears and Jaston Williams.  

“A Tuna Christmas” will be performed at the Paramount Theatre in Austin November 23, 25, 26 and 27.  Then it will be at  The Grand  1894 Opera House in Galveston from December 13 through December 23.  Enjoy your old favorites or find a new one this year.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!