Texas Comes to Lake Tahoe With "Greater Tuna" at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

Mar 9, 2007

Media Contacts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      

                                                                  
CONTACT:  Catherine Atack, LTSF
775-832-1616

Betsy McDonald, RKPR Inc.
775-378-0033

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. (March 9, 2007) – William Shakespeare might not have envisioned the comic genius that is Greater Tuna, but the producers of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival certainly have a vision for the side splitting comedy – to provide an evening under the stars at Lake Tahoe with a large dose of comic relief.  Breaking away from tradition for the first time in its 35-year history, the Festival is opening its stage to a contemporary, non-Shakespeare production and its presentation of the original play about the small Texas town of Tuna.  

Appearing each Monday evening during the Festival’s six–week-run, Greater Tuna takes the stage July 16, 23 and 30 and Aug. 6 and 13. The 2007 season follows in the footsteps of the longest season in the Festival’s history, featuring three plays and performances seven days per week. Add to the mix the fresh Sierra Nevada air, the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe and an amphitheatre set on the white sandy beach and there’s no other venue in the country that provides the sensory stimulation that can be found at the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.  

“The Festival’s desire is to expand our programming diversity,” said Catherine Atack, executive director.  “With this being our first non-Shakespeare foray, we’re anticipating reaching an even wider audience while still providing traditional performances for true Bard enthusiasts.” 

Greater Tuna began more than 20 years ago as a simple party skit based on a political cartoon in Austin, Texas. Creators Joe Sears, Jaston Williams and Ed Howard parlayed the sketch into a critically acclaimed production, entertaining audiences across the country ever since. Greater Tuna is a hilarious comedy about Texas' third smallest town, Tuna, where the Lion's Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. The eclectic band of citizens that make up the town are portrayed by only two actors, making this satire on life in rural America even more delightful as all of the inhabitants of Tuna are depicted - men, women, children and animals. 

Early in its history, Greater Tuna found an audience nationally playing to packed houses in San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston and Hartford and in an Off-Broadway performance featuring its original stars. Following the New York run, an HBO special produced by Norman Lear brought further awareness to cities across the country. Greater Tuna quickly became the most widely produced play in the U.S. among schools, colleges, community and professional theatres.   

In addition to Greater Tuna, the 2007 playbill includes two traditional favorites, Romeo & Juliet and The Taming of the Shrew.    

The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival opens at 5:30 p.m. for all seating sections with a nightly curtain call at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $22 for open seating tiers and range in options up to the premier Reserved Seating section from $67. For tickets and information about the 2007 Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor, including membership, volunteer and employment opportunities, call 800-74-SHOWS (800-747-4697) or visit www.LakeTahoeShakespeare.com.  

The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is a 501 C (3) non-profit organization established for the cultural benefit and enjoyment of all residents and visitors to Lake Tahoe and Reno. The annual Festival advocates the finest cultural events in the area while educating future generations on the importance of the arts, theater and music.  Presenting sponsors for the 2007 Festival include Harrah’s/Harvey’s at Lake Tahoe and the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA).     

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