In preparation for their role in a play, actors put lots of careful thought and time into developing their character. But what if you were asked to develop not one, but 10 different characters for one play? Quite the challenge!

Thankfully for us, veteran Metropolis actor Andrew Pond and Metropolis newcomer Matthias Austin were up for the challenge for their roles in our upcoming production of Greater Tuna. They play 10 and 11 characters, respectively, for this spoof on small town life in Tuna, Texas. The photos below show them becoming just a few of their characters, using rehearsal costumes and props to help set the scene.

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Matthias as Stanley, Andrew as Bertha

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Andrew as Elmer

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Matthias as Chad, Andrew as Bertha

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Matthias as Vera, Andrew as Rev

It’s amazing to watch these men put on different dialects, along with wigs, high heels, robes and more, to create so many unique characters. In one scene, Matthias enters as a young child, leaves, returns as a surly teen, leaves, and returns once more as a reporter.

Here’s the complete who’s who of Greater Tuna:

Andrew Pond plays: Thurston, Elmer, Bertha, Yippy, Leonard, Pearl, RR, Rev, Sheriff and Hank.

Matthias Austin plays: Arles, Didi, Harold, Petey, Jody, Stanley, Charlene, Chad, Phinas, Vera and Coach.

Wow! Don’t miss these men of many faces in Greater Tuna at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, running January 16 – February 16. Click here for show dates, times and more info.