Greater Tuna Rocks the Stage at The Palm Cabaret Puerto Vallarta Gary R. Beck - Beck's Best
November 29, 2014

"Two actors, 20 characters and 42 costume changes."

The Palm was shaking with continuous laughter brought on by the stellar performances of two local men who served as the key of getting to know Tuna, Texas, a small town full of small minds who have no clue how ridiculous they all are with their biased attitudes and conservative religious beliefs.

Tracy Parks and Chaz Weathers shine with their portrayal of these wild and crazy characters in 'Greater Tuna.' They take you on a hilarious journey. Both wore mouthpieces allowing all dialogue heard. The origin of the play written over 25 years ago by Joe Sears, Ed Howard and Jaston William is a party skit look at a political cartoon.

The play is an affectionate comment on small-town, Southwestern America life and attitudes. It is an insightful and satirical examination of the quirkiness of life, not only in this small town, but applicable to the audience's own experiences. On stage only these two men portray an eclectic group of citizens of Tuna: men, women, children and animals and revel in them, in spite of some rather quirky personages.

A cross section of the characters of this rural place is two folksy radio hosts of OKKK, their weatherman, the owner of a used weapons store where a lethal gun is guaranteed, the fire and brimstone lady vice-president of Baptist Smut Snatchers of New Order, a racist sheriff, more than one religious bigot, an animal rights advocate (professing Save the Pelicans, Geckos and Iguanas) and a crooked judge. The banter amongst these residents is on target, side-splitting yet thought-provoking.

"Crazy" by Patsy Cline started the show and underlined the theme. Action is fast-paced with costume changes done in a matter of seconds behind the backdrop painted with a ranch scene accented by farm logo signs one would see on Route 66. Country music classics continued throughout as "Honky Tonk Angels," transporting the audience into the Greater Tuna area.

For over 30 years, reviews of this critically acclaimed play have been terrific, representing the hard work of various casts. Puerto Vallarta can stand tall for these two men bringing Tuna superbly to life.

“If you can find someplace you like better than Tuna...MOVE!”

The Palm has undergone complete refurbishing which will please its patrons. Seating 90 attendees, the intimate cabaret sports great sound and lighting, so essential to a fine production. On one wall are a dozen colorful blown glass round saucers from Guadalajara. The chairs are half-moon shaped and comfortably cozy but still firm for support and were set by small tables. The servers were noticed to be unobtrusive during the show. They ordered and served drinks crouched down so everyone's view remained unobstructed.

Greater Tuna will be performing at The Palm through January 20, 2015.

The Palm Cabaret & Bar is located in Old Town Vallarta at Olas Altas 508. Tickets are available at The Palm Box Office open daily from 11:00 am or online at Vallarta Tickets.

After 20 years in the San Francisco restaurant business, Gary R. Beck turned his attentions to cooking, dining out, creating recipes and exploring Puerto Vallarta's rich array of eateries. Gary is famous for his 2014 Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Guide Beck's Best. Check it out at Kindle e-book,  Apple iPad/iPhone, or bound print.  Contact Gary at garyrbeck1@yahoo.com.