“Greater Tuna” hitting Finley Theatre stage in October with Del Mar Drama professors performing hilarious two-man comedy (UPDATED: VIDEO)
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2024
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Off-Broadway hit runs two weekends with opening Oct. 4; VIP pre-show “Tuna Town Social” fundraiser scheduled Oct. 11
Article by Del Mar Drama and Melinda Eddleman
October marks a bittersweet production as Del Mar College (DMC) faculty member Kim Frederick and his colleague Carl Yowell perform the hilarious two-man off-Broadway hit comedy, “Greater Tuna,” in the Sue Sellors Finley Theatre Oct. 4-5 and 10-12. Frederick is retiring at the end of the fall semester after 36 years with the College, and “Greater Tuna” will be his last performance as part of Del Mar Drama.
Radio Talk Time_Thurston and Arles_Del Mar Drama_Greater Tuna_Fall 2024
Written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, “Greater Tuna” originated in Austin, Tx., and toured nationally for over 26 years. The lovingly satirical play about small-town Texas life and attitudes features Frederick and Yowell performing all 22 characters and their antics during this not-to-be-missed production.
Frederick, who is currently serves as the Art & Drama Department’s Chairman, has taught at the College since 1988 while Yowell began his DMC teaching career in 1995. Both Professors of Drama have performed together in many theatrical fundraising productions over the years, including “The Mystery of Irma Vep” and the “Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).” “Greater Tuna” will be their final fundraiser together for the Drama Program.
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I’m so excited to get to share the stage with Kim one last time. We were acting students together, and we’ve been colleagues for the past 29 years.
Carl Yowell, Professor of Drama
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Rated PG-13 due to mature content, “Greater Tuna” performances begin at 7:30 p.m. all evenings (Oct. 4-5 and 10-12) in the Finley Theatre, which is located in the Fine Arts Center on the Heritage Campus at 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map. Tickets are $15 for general admission; $10 for seniors, military and DMC employees; and $5 for DMC students with a valid ID. The Drama Box Office opens one hour before each performance with in-person, day-of-show tickets available. Advance tickets also are available online at delmardrama.ludus.com.
Bertha and Vera_Del Mar Drama_Greater Tuna_Fall 2024
An exclusive pre-show fundraising reception called “Tuna Town Social” will be held Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. in the Cain Art Gallery also located in the Fine Arts Center. Guests will be served complimentary champagne and hors d’oeuvres as well as have the chance to meet “Greater Tuna” co-creator Jaston Williams. Tickets for this fundraising reception are $100 with only 75 tickets being sold.
A cash bar will be available all production nights with after-show receptions featuring complimentary catering scheduled on Opening Night (Oct. 4), DMC Faculty and Staff Night (Oct. 5), Student Night (Oct. 10 with everyone welcome) and on Oct. 11.
Questions? Contact the Drama Office at 361-698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu. You can also visit Del Mar Drama’s theatre page at delmar.edu/theatre.
This production has generously been sponsored by Garcia & Richmond, AEP, Snyder & Associates, Weaver & Jacobs Constructors, Inc., The Blanco Agency and Amorette V. Garza-Morales & Manuela Gonzalez. One-hundred percent (100%) of ticket sales and donations will go toward the Drama Program, student enrichment activities and future productions.
Of his last production with Del Mar Drama, Frederick notes, “I was fortunate to meet Jaston Williams when I performed ‘Greater Tuna’ at Corpus Christi State University in 1986. The show had such a huge impact on me that I promised I would perform it again before I retire.”
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I hope that all the performances have great attendance and raise a lot of money for the Drama Program.
Kim Frederick, Drama Professor and Chairman of the Art & Drama Department
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Greater Tuna Poster_Del Mar Drama_Fall 2024
About Del Mar College
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
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