Review: TUNA DOES VEGAS at Murry's Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock

There are some places that feel like a theatre, and then there are places that feel like home. Murry's Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock has always been the latter for me. From the moment I walk through the doors, I know I'm in for an evening filled with great food, wonderful people, and top-notch entertainment. Their latest production, Tuna Does Vegas, running through June 27, delivers all three in abundance.

Before I even get to the show itself, let me tell you why I love Murry's so much.

One of the biggest reasons is the people.

The moment patrons arrive, they are greeted with warmth and hospitality that simply cannot be faked. Welcoming us to the theatre was the lovely Kara, who has become a favorite not only of mine but of countless audience members. There is something so comforting about seeing her familiar face. She has one of those smiles that reaches her eyes, making everyone feel instantly welcome and appreciated.

Then we were escorted to our seats by the always delightful Natalie Canerday. Theatre fans know Natalie as one of Arkansas's funniest performers, but she's just as entertaining when she's not on stage. Her infectious personality and natural charm make even the simple act of finding your table feel like part of the night's entertainment. Also, our waiter Devon seems to know all the patrons and entertains just as well as everyone else at this establishment. 

Of course, another reason I love Murry's is the food.

My waitressing skills really come in handy at the buffet. With so many delicious options available, choosing just one or two things feels impossible. Fortunately, years of balancing multiple plates have prepared me for exactly this challenge. Why limit myself when I can strategically carry several plates and sample a little bit of everything? Sure, I could always go back for seconds, but once I sit down, I'm ready to commit myself to the full dining experience. I want to settle in, enjoy the atmosphere, visit with friends, and focus on the evening ahead.

Normally, my favorite item on the buffet is the lemon cod. It's one of those dishes I look forward to every time I visit Murry's. This time, however, the mustard pork nearly stole the crown. Tender and packed with flavor, it quickly became one of the stars of my plate. The chicken piccata was another standout, perfectly seasoned and absolutely delicious. Just when I thought I couldn't possibly eat another bite, I found myself eyeing the dessert table.

And I'm glad I did.

The varied desserts were fantastic. The carrot cake has officially become my new favorite, especially when they don't have the cheesecake ball available. Moist, flavorful, and topped with the perfect amount of frosting, it was impossible to resist. I also continue to love the bread pudding, which remains one of the most comforting desserts on the buffet. Between the entrées and the sweets, I left the dining room both happy and very well fed.

Then it was time for the show.

Written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard, Tuna Does Vegas takes the eccentric residents of Tuna, Texas, and sends them on a trip to Las Vegas where, unsurprisingly, absolutely nothing goes according to plan. Weddings, mistaken identities, unexpected encounters, and plenty of small-town personalities colliding with Sin City's excesses create an evening of nonstop laughter.

The real marvel of the Tuna series is that every character is portrayed by only two actors.

In this production, those actors are two of my favorite performers when it comes to making audiences laugh: Quinn Gasaway and Brett Ihler. I don't even care what production they are in, if I know they are part of the cast, I want to be there!

My starry-heart eyes immediately go to Quinn Gasaway and Brett Ihler, who somehow manage to create an entire town full of unforgettable characters while barely giving the audience a chance to catch its breath between laughs.

Quinn Gasaway has an incredible gift for comedy. Some actors need dialogue to get a laugh. Quinn can get one with a glance. His facial expressions are priceless, and his physical comedy is absolutely impeccable. Every character he portrays feels completely unique, from posture to voice to mannerisms. Watching him transform from one larger-than-life personality to another is fascinating. There were moments when I found myself laughing before he even spoke because I knew something ridiculous was coming.

Then there's Brett Ihler, who has become one of the most reliable comedic performers in Arkansas theatre. Brett understands timing in a way that makes difficult comedy look effortless. He knows exactly when to pause, when to escalate the absurdity, and when to let a reaction speak louder than words. Every character feels distinct, and every scene he enters becomes funnier because of his presence. Whether he's delivering a punchline or simply reacting to the madness around him, he consistently finds ways to elevate the comedy.

One of the most astonishing aspects of the production is how quickly the characters appear and disappear. Just when you've settled into one hilarious personality, another comes bursting onto the stage moments later. Those lightning-fast costume changes would not be possible without two indispensable members of the company working tirelessly behind the scenes.

To help with the enormous challenge of keeping dozens of characters organized are Matthew Mentgen, who serves as dresser and understudy for Arles, the collection of characters portrayed by Quinn Gasaway, and Dakota Mansfield, who serves as dresser and understudy for Thurston, the characters portrayed by Brett Ihler.

While audiences may never fully see the controlled chaos happening backstage, they certainly benefit from it. Costume changes happen in the blink of an eye, allowing Quinn and Brett to seamlessly jump from character to character without losing any of the show's momentum. Mentgen and Mansfield deserve tremendous credit for helping make the impossible seem effortless. Their work is a reminder that every successful production depends not only on the performers under the spotlight but also on the dedicated theatre artists working behind the curtain.

Guiding all of this wonderfully organized madness is director Don Bolinger, who understands exactly what makes the Tuna shows so beloved. Comedy can be one of the hardest genres to get right, requiring precise timing and relentless energy, and Bolinger keeps both operating at full speed. The pacing is excellent, allowing every joke to land while never letting the action slow down. Under his direction, Gasaway and Ihler are free to showcase their remarkable talents while maintaining the structure necessary to keep this fast-moving production running smoothly. 

If you need a break from the stresses of everyday life, make plans to visit Murry's Dinner Playhouse before June 27. Come hungry. Come ready to laugh. And come prepared to watch Quinn Gasaway and Brett Ihler put on an absolute masterclass in comedy. In Vegas terms, this production is a jackpot, and you don't want to miss it. For more information, visit their website at murrysdp.com.

CREATIVE STAFF

Artistic Director -- Glen J Gilbert

Stage Manager/Props/Lights/Sound -- Keylan Alderson

Director -- Don Bolinger

Costumes -- Dakota Mansfield

Set Design -- Don Bolinger

Set Construction -- Mark Carlisle

Scenic Painter -- Elena Petroukhina

Set Decoration -- Don Bolinger

Sound Engineer -- Andrew Smith

Photographer -- Warren McCullough

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