The quick change show has become something of a cash cow in recent years, taking various forms like the Reduced Shakespeare Company pieces, the recent production of Radio TBS at PIPs, and even LTN's Irma Vep. The plots are "fun" oriented, leading to slapstick, vast topics covered in quick bits, and a multitude of quick changes. Christmas' script is the same as the other two in the Tuna trilogy, but you don't have to know the others, as each one can stand alone. All your favorite characters are back, and cleverly portrayed by two actors, Michael Burnette and Fran Peterson.

Burnette, no stranger to the Generic stage or quick change shows, having performed in Bible Abridged last year plays the Stan Laurel parts to Fran Peterson's Oliver Hardy. Or, if you prefer a more modern analogy,

Burnette is the Seinfeld to Peterson's George Costanza.

The gimmick of these shows is the lightning fast quick changes that don't stop the momentum of the plot, and here is where Christmas doesn't exactly go dashing through the snow. The pace set by Director Denise Dillard could use a bit of picking up. Granted, I did watch the show's final dress, but a first act that clocks in at over an hour and fifteen minutes needs some trimming. The guys are funny, but each bit gets separated by just a wee bit too much time to make the miracle of the change a gag in itself. The running story lines also lose their connectivity, the play becomes more vignette oriented than a larger themed solid piece, and some the characters start to blend in your mind. The second act starts of very strongly, with two of their best characters, a pair of greasy spoon waitresses, but even then Act II runs over an hour. This is a bit much for a mere 97 pages of fast dialog and minimal action. The last thing you want in a comedy is to be aware that you are waiting for something to happen, especially if you know what's coming.

Fran Peterson has the fun of playing the more matronly roles, very juicy parts, that are lots of fun. His Bertha Bumiller is an accurate portrait of the frustrated housewife who deals with her absent husband and three children - neatly executed by Burnette. Peterson's voice and bearing are well chosen for these parts, and he pulls of some nice comedic moments. To contrast, his Inita Goodwin is effectively bubbly and bouncy, a nice opposite.

Michael Burnette's characters are a bit more varied than Peterson's. The audience favorite was definitely Petey Fisk, the much put upon Humane Society worker. The largest laugh in the show is when a leashed coyote, Fresno, drags Petey around the stage. Burnette's physical comedy is top form, I wish there had been more of it in the piece.

Denise Dillard has added some nice touches to the show, including every southern Christmas song you can think of, as well as a Texas Christmas themed pre-recorded preshow speech. Her blocking is interesting and clear. Hank Sparks' set, reminiscent of a summer vacation postcard is an effective and attractive backdrop for the show. The costumes are fun without being overboard. With a few more audiences under their belt, this will be the holiday show of the season in Norfolk. I'd make reservations now, as I hear there are already a few sold out nights.

A Tuna Christmas plays at the Generic Theatre, 912 W. 21st in Norfolk, through December 17th.