Two portray 23 characters in GLT's 'Tuna Christmas'

Jamie Grindstaff and Dr. Tim Baxter-Ferguson portray 23 diverse characters in Tuna Christmas this weekend at the Gaffney Little Theatre.

If you're already fed up with tinsel, the mall and ancient holiday television reruns, then the Gaffney Little Theater has just what you need - a comedic diversion.

Tuna Christmas, a hilarious two-act comedy written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard, takes the audience to the tiny town of Tuna, Texas, where two actors assume the roles of 23 extremely diverse characters.

Rising to this challenge in Gaffney are Dr. Tim Baxter-Ferguson and Jamie Grindstaff. The two performed this show last Christmas and had so much fun, they decided to do it again this holiday season.

The residents of Tuna include Didi Snavely, the chain-smoking owner of Didi's Used Weapons. Her shop boasts the slogan - "if we can't kill it, it's immortal." Also in the town are Bertha Bumiller, the tired housewife of a low-down, adulterous drunkard, who is trying to raise twins - Stanley and Charlene. Other characters include Pearl and Dixie - two old women who love to gossip about fellow townsmen and shoot at bluejays with a slingshot; Petey Fisk - an overzealous animal rights activist; and Helen and Inita - two flirtatious restaurant workers who flip burgers, chew gum and twirl hair.

Performance dates are Dec. 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. The show is part of Gaffney Little Theater's regular season. Tuna Christmas is produced with special arrangement with Samuel French Inc. N.Y., N.Y.

Reservations can be made by calling (864) 489-4589.