Copperstate Dinner Theater

Greater Tuna is the comedy with ‘Tex‘ appeal! Take a visit to Tuna - Texas‘ third smallest town and spend a day with its citizens. Meet Thurston Wheelis and Arlis Struvie who run the local radio station OKKK, and Bertha Bumiller and her three no-neck children, as well as Petey Fisk who runs the Tuna Humane Society and Aunt Pearl, who has her own solution to Tuna‘s pet problem. You‘ll laugh yourself silly as the original award-winning Copperstate cast of Peter J. Hill and Jack Dwyer portray ALL the wacky, off-center, politically incorrect citizens of Tuna, Texas - even the dogs!.

Greater Tuna is directed by Peter J. Hill and stars Jack Dwyer and Hill recreating their AriZoni Award winning roles. Greater Tuna was originally slated for July of 2005, but the authors pulled the rights to perform the show nationwide, so the production had to be rescheduled.

Few shows have sustained the longevity and popularity that Greater Tuna has enjoyed over the years. The Greater Tuna legend is now a matter of history - a history we are happy to share with you today.

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

The early tour dates found an instant audience coast to coast as the show played to packed houses in San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston and Hartford before original stars Joe Sears and Jaston Williams found themselves performing Greater Tuna for over a year Off-Broadway at Circle in the Square Theatre. This successful New York run lead to an HBO Special produced by Norman Lear which took the “Tuna” phenomenon to every city in America.

By1985, Greater Tuna was the most produced play in the United States with schools, colleges, community and professional theatres all anxious to add the hit comedy to their repertoire. Meanwhile, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams were continuing their whirlwind tours in such prestigious theatres as the Kennedy Center h Washington D.C. and the Marines Memorial Theatre in San Francisco.

Greater Tuna’s popularity crossed the Atlantic in 1988 as the highlight of Scotland’s famed Edinburgh Festival. Back at home, the Marines Memorial Theatre in San Francisco began a local production of Greater Tuna which ran continuously for a record-breaking seven years.

The popularity of Greater Tuna has even extended to the most distinguished home in the country, with Command Performances at the White House upon the invitation of President and Mrs. Bush in 1990 and again in 1991.

The demand for a sequel then became so great that writers Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard created A Tuna Christmas, - to be presented by Copperstate Dinner Theater Nov. 24 through Dec. 31, 2006 - in which the much beloved citizens of Tuna contribute their special brand of humor to that holiday for their appreciative audiences nationwide.

In December of 1994, A Tuna Christmas took Broadway by storm, playing to rave reviews and turning the toughest critics into “Tuna” fans. In return they presented Joe Sears with the esteemed honor of a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play.

To complete the Tuna Trilogy, creators Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard have written the final installment entitled Red, White and Tuna, which is touring nationally.

Greater Tuna will play at the Copperstate Dinner Theater, 3801 E. Washington inside the Phoenix Greyhound Park. Performances are SEPT 15 through OCT. 29, 2006, Friday & Saturday evenings dinner 6:30, curtain 8:00. And Sunday Supper Shows with dinner 5:30 and curtain 7:00. The ticket price for all performances is only $32.95 per person which includes dinner and the show as well as tax and gratuity. Dinner is a sit-down service, not buffet. With a choice of four delicious entrees: prime rib, grilled salmon filet, teriyaki chicken breast, and vegetable lasagna. Meals come with side dishes, salad with choice of dressing, rolls and butter. Appetizers, desserts and beverages are extra. A full bar is available. Reservations can be made at (602) 279-3129.