2 actors, 20 roles, 1 ‘Tuna’

Scott Anderson/Courier-Post

The same three funny men who brought "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" to the stage last January are back with another comedy.

Chris Melohn, Kevin Hurley and Patrick King, who starred in The Collaborative Act Studio's production of "Complete Works" last year are now teamed up for "Greater Tuna," which will be staged in February in Cherry Hill.

Melohn is directing Hurley and King in the show, which requires the two actors to tackle a total of 20 characters, similar to the "Complete Works" feat of 37 plays in 97 minutes by three actors.

"You're going to be able to expect the same energy as "Shakespeare'," said King.

"Greater Tuna" is the first in a series of four comedic plays that are set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas, the "third-smallest" town in the state.

The show takes a satirical look at the small, rural town of Tuna and its eccentric inhabitants.

Part of their previous collaboration's success could be attributed to the chemistry between Melohn, Hurley and King.

They had never met before auditioning for "Complete Works," but once they were together, they were able to breeze through dozens of plays and characters and ad-lib and improv with audiences.

Though "Tuna" requires some slapstick bits and laugh-out-loud humor, the show has a different feel from the downright goofy "Complete Works."

"If you thought "Shakespeare' was funny, you were right," said Hurley. "The only thing that is the same is the cast and director, and that we're playing multiple parts. The humor is very different."

"It's more sophisticated than "Shakespeare'," said King, referencing the production of "Complete Works," not the 16th century English playwright.

Though Melohn has never seen a production of "Tuna," he decided to make some slight changes, including to feature the actors in all of the roles, with live dialogue, rather than pre-recording some segments.

"We're taking on an extra challenge by not pre-recording some of the dialogues. There is definitely a lot of excitement in the show that comes from the quick changes," said Melohn. "But if anyone is up for the task, it's these two (Hurley and King)."

The show is expected to run an hour and a half, with one 15-minute intermission.

Additional Facts
IF YOU GO

• Performances of `Greater Tuna' will be held at 8 p.m. Feb. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26 and 27 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 14 and 20 at Fusion Performing Arts Center, Suite 100, 1931 Olney Ave., Cherry Hill. Tickets are $18 for general admission and $15 for senior citizens or groups of 20 or more. To purchase tickets, call (856) 417-6741 or visit www.tcactstudio.com.

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