Scott Campbell, left, and Marcus Walker star in "Greater Tuna" at the Lakewood Playhouse next week.

The plays about Tuna, Texas have been around for over 25 years now, and finally one of them's coming to Lakewood--"Greater Tuna," opening at Lakewood Playhouse next Thursday.

Tuna, Texas?

You betcha. The series written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard revolve around life in the mythical Texas hamlet of Tuna, where the Lions' Club is liberal and Patsy Cline never dies, as the press release puts it. In "Greater Tuna," "A Tuna Christmas," "Red, White and Tuna" and "Tuna Does Vegas," the 20-plus eccentric characters are played by just two guys, the jabs at small-town American life never stop, and the whole thing is hilarious. ("Greater Tuna" was the most-produced play in America in 1985, according to its website, and President Bush even requested a command performance. Which says a lot, really.)

The Lakewood production is the first-ever trip to Tuna for the 90-year-old theater, and artistic director Marcus Walker (who co-stars with fellow director Scott Campbell) is looking forward to it. "It is fun to be acting opposite Scott Campbell, my associate, as we seldom are able to work the same show." But, points out Walker, "it is very challenging to keep all the characters straight...and remembering which voice to use."

If y'all are just itchin' for a chance to have some righteous laughs at Texas, this is it.

"Greater Tuna" opens 8 p.m. Jan. 8, then 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 18. 253-588-0042, www.lakewoodplayhouse.org

Baroque/classical flautist Jeffrey Cohan will play with Concert Spirituel on Vashon Jan. 6. Photo: Tate Cohan.

Concert Spirituel in Vashon
It’s not often you get period instruments playing on Vashon Island, so the New Year’s performance of 18th century chamber music by Seattle’s Concert Spirituel is a great way to take the edge off the winter darkness. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 6. Suggested donation $15, free for under-18. Vashon United Methodist Church, 17928 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon. 206-463-9804, 800-281-8026.

Catherine Grisez’ metal roots at Traver
Traver Gallery’s December show features Seattle artist Catherine Grisez, whose metal/mixed media sculptures and window installations are inspired by the root systems of plants. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 12-5 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 8. Free.1821 E. Dock Street #100, Tacoma. 253-383-3685, www.travergallery.com

Treasures still up at Grand Impromptu Gallery
The Impromptu’s December show is still up, if you’re looking for small treasures to buy (or just looking)—members’ works include miniatures by Bill Colby, knits by Trinda Love and paintings by Becky Frehse, plus guest ceramicists and jewelers. 4-9 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 2-4 p.m. Saturdays, 2-6 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 24. Free. 608 South Fawcett Ave., Tacoma. 253-572-9232, grandimpromptugallery.com

“Greater Tuna” comes to Greater Tacoma (a.k.a. Lakewood)
Since 1981, the “Tuna” series of plays have worked their way into the staples list of American theater, and now the first of these two-man comedic satires on small-town Southern life is coming to Lakewood Playhouse. Opens 8 p.m. Jan. 8, then 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 18. $14-$22, discounts for seniors, under-25, military. 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd, Lakewood. 253-588-0042, www.lakewoodplayhouse.org