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Tim Klein and Mark Osborn sign off from KKKO radio at
their final performance of "Greater Tuna" at Slocum House
Theater. Photo by Gregory E. Zschomler
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Today I attended an historic event: the last showing of the
last show by Slocum House Theater at the historic Slocum House. Sadly, after 43
years the theater is closing its doors.
A number of factors contributed to the closure. The theater
was struggling financially when the city of Vancouver
Theater at the Slocum House will be greatly missed. Thank
you all those dedicated and talented actors, stage hands, designers, and
directors that have helped to entertain us over the past four decades!
The Show
I’d heard of “Greater Tuna” for years, but never had the
chance to see it. This was my opportunity. The audience genuinely enjoyed the
production—a piece written for two actors that play numerous characters from
the small town of Tuna , Texas
The show, written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard,
was directed by long time Slocum House board member and entertainer, Jim Fully. (Incidentally,
Fully met and married his wife at the theater.)
The parts (both male and female) were all played with great
ability by Tim Klein and Mark Osborn. Billed as a comedy, the show provided
plenty of laughs for the audience but also had its darker moments. The term
“black comedy” comes to mind.
The show was humorous and entertaining, but I would not rank
it as a great work even though it has been playing to rave reviews. This
opinion does not in any way slight Klein and Osborn who performed marvelously.
It takes quite a bit of talent to play multiple characters at the (quick)
change of a costume.
And so, with the thought of change in mind, I salute the Slocum
House community of artists and supporters who have made us laugh and cry and
think these many years. I wish them well in their new theatrical endeavors and
hope to see a soon transformation. Break a leg!
Story and photo by Gregory E. Zschomler
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