Galaxy of Stars to present new Tuna show

The Tuna Boys 30 Years Together and Still Speaking will close the 25th annual Galaxy of Stars series, presented by the Sequoyah Institute and Northeastern State University, on Tuesday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Tahlequah High School Performing Arts Center.

The never before seen show is a collaboration of NSU alumnus Joe Sears' and Jaston Williams' multiple performances at the White House for both Bush administrations and select pieces from other Tuna performances.

The performance assumes the vacancy in the Galaxy of Stars lineup left by Les Yeux Noirs, which was forced to cancel its U.S. tour. Sears, an artist in residence with the NSU College of Liberal Arts, and Williams will bring the town of Tuna alive for the Tahlequah audience.

"Of course we were disappointed to hear of the cancellation of Les Yeux Noirs' U.S. tour, but Tuna will be a sellout show and a very special way to end the celebration that has been the 25th anniversary season of the Galaxy of Stars series," said Amber Cowan, director.

Aunt Pearl and Vera will make appearances in the hilarious sketch-comedy about Texas' third smallest town, where the Lion's Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. Local celebrity C.H. Parker will assist as a host of the show.

The Tuna productions began in the fall of 1981 in Austin, Texas. Creators Sears, 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. The eclectic band of citizens of 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.

"Joe is a distinguished alumnus and we're thankful to not only have him as an artist in residence on campus this semester, but for him to share his most famous role with the Tahlequah community some of his biggest supporters," Cowan said.

Williams, co-creater of Greater Tuna, hosts a professional theater writing workshop on April 27 from 10 a.m. 1 p.m at the THS PAC. Writers and student writers are encouraged to bring their work for reading and discussion. The workshop is also open to observers and a Q&A session will be included.

"What an amazing opportunity this is for our students and local writers," Cowan said. "More than two hours with a professional plus the experience of having your work critiqued by someone of Jason's stature is unheard of. We're very thankful that both Joe and Jason are willing to share their talent and experiences."

Individual ticket prices are $20 for adults, $18 for NSU alumni, $16 for NSU employees and seniors 60 and over, $10 for students and $6 for NSU students. To reserve tickets call 918-458-2075. For more information visit www.nsuok.edu/si.

For further information visit www.greatertunavisitorcenter.com

The Galaxy of Stars series is made possible through the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Mid-America Arts Alliance and the Oklahoma Arts Council.