"A Tuna Christmas"

If you have never seen "A Tuna Christmas" at the Springer Opera House, you ought to try to see it this year.

It's hysterical.

Last year, Paul Pierce and Ron Anderson, the two actors who play all 20 roles (male and female), told me that the real story is backstage.

Paul's dresser is 16-year-old Kaity Baker, a sophomore at Harris County High School, while Ron's dresser is Betsy Flournoy, 16, a junior at Brookstone School. Both are long-time students in the Springer Opera House's Theater Academy. A third student, Gabby Buffong, a 17-year-old Columbus High School senior, helps out when she's needed. Gabby is backstage doing all the sound effects.

Both Ron and Paul put on basic stage makeup for men. No elaborate eye makeup or lip color. Just foundation and powder. Then they put on panty-house, bike shorts and a wife-beater undershirt.

They begin the show as the two radio personalities, Thurston and Arles. And then the fun begins.

To see the photos, check out this week's To Do section on Thursday.

Ron and Paul think "A Tuna Christmas" is the perfect show for the holidays.

"There are only a few 'Tuna' virgins left in town," Ron said.

And they're afraid to come see the show because they want to be the last ones in town to see it, joked Paul.

Seriously, though Ron says a lot of people need to laugh during the holidays and "A Tuna Christmas" is the perfect show to do just that.

A lot of people come to see the show several times during its annual run, and each time, they bring others with them.

Scooter MacMillan, the Springer's marketing director, says "A Tuna Christmas" is a great tool for audience development because a lot of people still think going to the theater is for snobs.

"This is a great show for people who think they don't like theater," Paul said.

It's the sixth time since 2001 that the Springer has presented this show. The theater skipped the 2003-04 season.

Ed Howard, the writer and director of "A Tuna Christmas," is back again. He's been busy working on "Tuna Does Vegas."

Ron and Paul have seen that show and are excited about it. In fact, they're already planning on which of the characters they want to do.

Before people in the Valley get to see "Tuna Does Vegas," we'll get to see "Red, White and Tuna." But then again, since Jaston Williams and Joe Sears have yet to relinquish the rights to that show, it may be a long time before we get to see the Tuna folks in Las Vegas.

In the meantime, the Springer Opera House has just received the rights to tour "Greater Tuna" and "A Tuna Christmas." It's the only theater in the United States to get the rights.

That's probably because Ed Howard loves us so much!

So the Springer Opera House name, along with the Tuna folks will be traveling across the country in 2008.

Unfortunately, Ron and Paul won't be able to do the tour. As much as they'd like to, they still have to look after the Springer.

They'll be auditioning folks soon for the tour.

As soon as I found out, I'll let you know.

"A Tuna Christmas" opens Thursday. Check To Do for details.