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Comedy of a new variety is set to debut on the stage at WILLow LeaVes of Hope this weekend as the powerhouse duo of J. Rob Taylor and Alex Baylor present “Greater Tuna” beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, March 7.

Written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard and presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc., this dinner theatre offering is a whirlwind ‘tour de farce’ that presents the entire population of the small community of Tuna, TX – all 20 of them – as interpreted and presented by Taylor and Baylor.

Quick wit by quick actors portraying quirky characters in a quick moving comedy make for a guaranteed barrel of laughs. Try saying that three times fast. 

As Taylor and Baylor prep for opening night, they recently found a few minutes to slow down for a quick chat with HSJ about what sold them on bringing the uniqueness of this off-Broadway comedic hit to Hope, as well as what it’s like for each of them to portray so many distinct characters in a single production.

HSJ: Alex, what were your thoughts on the first read through of the script? What sold you on this role?
Baylor: I thought it was a very witty and well written show. I think we all certainly realized it would be a bit of a challenge to put on. Frankly, I was already slated for the role and had no desire to turn down a challenge and miss a chance to share the stage with Rob!

HSJ: What’s it like to portray so many characters, Alex? What’s the greatest challenges of this role?
Baylor: It is indeed mostly the task of portraying so many vastly different characters back-to-back in a single performance. In that same vein, the costume quick changes between characters have been the greatest challenge we've had to face, from the start.

HSJ: Considering the characters seem to be an even split of 10 each between the two of you, which is your favorite one to portray, Rob?
Taylor: My favorite character is Aunt Pearl, an eccentric chicken farmer with an unfortunate addiction to poisoning puppies. While no animals are harmed in our show, it may have slightly traumatized my poodles when Malia and I recorded Aunt Pearl's scenes. We tried to cover their ears, but they still seem wary whenever I put on the wig.

HSJ: How have these roles informed your acting and approach to developing your characters this time around?
Baylor: This role has definitely been an opportunity to work on the breadth of my acting ability. It has especially encouraged an approach of not being self-conscious and investing fully into the characters which can be played over the top, nearly to the point of caricature.
Taylor: The most challenging character [for me] would have to be Bertha Bumiller, a middle-aged mom with a lot on her plate. Bertha carries a commanding presence when dealing with her kids and their pets, even in a humble kitchen apron.

HSJ: If you don’t mind sharing, Rob, how did you prep for so many different personas?
Taylor: Once I'd established what voice defines each personality, the assistant director Malia Taylor and I recorded each scene on my phone. Listening to each scene on repeat is a wonderful way to run lines.

HSJ: What are each of your hopes for opening night and success of this two-week run?
Taylor: My sincere hope is that we pack the house and leave the audience rolling in the aisles!
Baylor: I'm hoping that audiences will be surprised and delighted to see this hilarious show which I'm sure many of them have never even heard of before. They can expect lots of laughs from a positively absurd cast of characters. This comedy thrives on a certain lightheartedness, absurdity, and great demand for suspension of disbelief; it doesn't take itself too seriously, and that often makes for great comedy.

To learn more about “Greater Tuna” and the Passion for Acting Theatre Company visit HERE.

Breakout:
What: “Greater Tuna” presented by Passion for Acting Theatre Company in collaboration with WILLow LeaVes of Hope.
When: 6 p.m. March 7, 8, 14 & 15; 1 p.m. March 9
Where: WILLow LeaVes of Hope, located at 326 Jackson St. downtown Hope.
Cost: $40 per ticket, includes full meal and show.
For more information or to make reservations, please call 812-341-7251.