Thursday, December 18, 2014
There’s Just No Christmas Without Tuna.
Have you ever thought about all the different Christmas traditions around the world? In some European countries, kids leave out boots and shoes on the windowsill to be filled with goodies; in France, they serve 13 different kinds of desserts at the evening meal (wonder if it's too late for me to book a flight to France?); in Nigeria, they celebrate with fireworks; and it's summertime in the southern hemisphere, so folks head to the beach for oceanside barbecues.
And of course, we have our own traditions here like decorating a tree, belting out off-tune Christmas carols, and even kissing under the mistletoe. But for quite a few of us, one tradition has remained constant for many years...and it involves tuna. Not the kind from the can, not the kind you go deepsea fishing for, and not a casserole...rather the ficticious town of Tuna, Texas and the holiday hijinks that go on there. It's none other than the much-loved production at the Springer Opera House, "A Tuna Christmas." I'm not alone in my love of this play. Every year when I go, I see many of the same smiling faces, wearing their tackiest of tacky Christmas sweaters to help set the mood on the stage. At least, I hope that's why they're wearing them.
If you've never been before, you are truly missing a treat--and a much needed stress-relieving, belly-laughing night of just plain silly fun. And then you'll understand why so many of us make a point to be in the audience, with hopes that Helen Bedd and Inita Goodwin will pick us out of the crowd to marvel at our Christmas attire, only to be delicately, yet shamefully, mocked at wearing something so tasteless in public. Or sing along with DiDi Snavely as she butchers carols. Or get caught up in the laugh frenzy when at the very end of the show, Bertha and Arles....wait a minute, I'm not giving that away. You'll just have to go see for yourself. Just be prepared.
The production wraps next Tuesday evening (Dec. 23) and many of the shows are known to sell out. My best advice is to call and make reservations so you won't be disappointed...I guarantee you won't be!
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