Joe Sears
Latest News on Joe Sears:
Penfold Theatre Company Unveils Updated Cast and Creatives for A TUNA CHRISTMAS (Nov 25, 2025)
A TUNA CHRISTMAS is Coming to City Theatre Austin (Nov 14, 2025)
Playhouse on the Square Rings in the Holidays with A TUNA CHRISTMAS (Nov 5, 2025)
Penfold Theatre Company Unveils Updated Cast and Creatives for A TUNA CHRISTMAS (Nov 25, 2025)
A TUNA CHRISTMAS is Coming to City Theatre Austin (Nov 14, 2025)
Playhouse on the Square Rings in the Holidays with A TUNA CHRISTMAS (Nov 5, 2025)
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1994
Leonard Childers
Thurston Wheelis
Sheriff Givens
R. R. Snavely
Phoebe Burkhalter
Pearl Burras
Joe Bob Lipsey
Inita Goodwin
Ike Thompson
Elmer Watkins
Bertha Bumiller
Joe Bob Lipsey
Inita Goodwin
Leonard Childers
Bertha Bumiller
Pearl Burras
Phoebe Burkhalter
Ike Thompson
R. R. Snavely
Sheriff Givens
Elmer Watkins
Thurston Wheelis
Writing
Playwright
Awards and Nominations
Helen Hayes Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production
Joe SearsRed, White and Tuna
Helen Hayes Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production
Joe SearsRed, White, and Tuna
Helen Hayes Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production
Joe SearsA Tuna Christmas
Helen Hayes Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production
Joe SearsThe Foreigner
Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
Joe Sears , A Tuna Christmas
Helen Hayes Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production
Joe SearsA Tuna Christmas
Olivier Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production
Joe SearsA Tuna Christmas
Helen Hayes Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production
Joe SearsGreater Tuna
News
Penfold Theatre Company Unveils Updated Cast and Creatives for A TUNA CHRISTMAS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2025
Penfold Theatre Company has revealed updated cast and creatives for the comedy, A Tuna Christmas written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2025
Penfold Theatre Company has revealed updated cast and creatives for the comedy, A Tuna Christmas written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard.
A TUNA CHRISTMAS is Coming to City Theatre Austin
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 14, 2025
This December, keep your 2025 holiday season going strong with lots of fa – la – la – laughter as City Theatre Austin brings you the hit southern comedy A Tuna Christmas.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 14, 2025
This December, keep your 2025 holiday season going strong with lots of fa – la – la – laughter as City Theatre Austin brings you the hit southern comedy A Tuna Christmas.
Playhouse on the Square Rings in the Holidays with A TUNA CHRISTMAS
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 5, 2025
Playhouse on the Square will present the holiday comedy A Tuna Christmas November 21–December 21, 2025, at The Circuit Playhouse in Memphis. Directed by Dave Landis.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 5, 2025
Playhouse on the Square will present the holiday comedy A Tuna Christmas November 21–December 21, 2025, at The Circuit Playhouse in Memphis. Directed by Dave Landis.
Cast and Creatives Set for A TUNA CHRISTMAS at Penfold Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 29, 2025
Penfold Theatre Company has revealed the cast and creatives for the comedy, A Tuna Christmas written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 29, 2025
Penfold Theatre Company has revealed the cast and creatives for the comedy, A Tuna Christmas written by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard. Learn more!
I'LL GIVE YOU MY HEART Comes to the Colony Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2025
MB Artists and Heart Productions have announced the world premiere of a new romantic comedy, I’ll Give You My Heart, set to run at The Colony Theatre in Burbank.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2025
MB Artists and Heart Productions have announced the world premiere of a new romantic comedy, I’ll Give You My Heart, set to run at The Colony Theatre in Burbank.
DRAGONS LOVE TACOS, SISTER ACT & More Lead San Antonio's Hot Summer 2025 Theater Picks
by Jill Ripa - Jul 1, 2025
San Antonio will be buzzing with live theatre this summer, presenting a variety of shows for all ages. As always, these theaters do a wonderful job of carefully considering community needs and desires as they present large scale musicals or thoughtfully intimate performances.
by Jill Ripa - Jul 1, 2025
San Antonio will be buzzing with live theatre this summer, presenting a variety of shows for all ages. As always, these theaters do a wonderful job of carefully considering community needs and desires as they present large scale musicals or thoughtfully intimate performances.
Review: GREATER TUNA at The Pocket Community Theatre
by Theresa Bertram - May 30, 2025
I had my first introduction to the Tuna series at The Pocket Community Theatre in Hot Springs last weekend, and I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome into this wildly funny, fast-paced world. With performances from May 16th to the 25th, GREATER TUNA by Jaston Williams, Ed Howard, and Joe Sears was a whirlwind tour through the quirks and contradictions of small-town Texas life, delivered with heart, hilarity, and a whole lot of quick costume changes.
by Theresa Bertram - May 30, 2025
I had my first introduction to the Tuna series at The Pocket Community Theatre in Hot Springs last weekend, and I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome into this wildly funny, fast-paced world. With performances from May 16th to the 25th, GREATER TUNA by Jaston Williams, Ed Howard, and Joe Sears was a whirlwind tour through the quirks and contradictions of small-town Texas life, delivered with heart, hilarity, and a whole lot of quick costume changes.
SWEENEY TODD, COME FROM AWAY And More Set for Playhouse on the Square 57th Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2025
Playhouse on the Square will present its 57th season of shows starting on July 11th, 2025. The full lineup has been announced. Titles for the season include Seussical, Jagged Little Pill, and more. Get full details here!
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2025
Playhouse on the Square will present its 57th season of shows starting on July 11th, 2025. The full lineup has been announced. Titles for the season include Seussical, Jagged Little Pill, and more. Get full details here!
Interview: Jaston Williams of HIGH HEELS AND COWBOY BOOTS at Stateside At The Paramount
by Joni Lorraine - Jan 28, 2025
Jaston Williams is best known as the co-creator and co-star of the beloved GREATER TUNA series of plays, including GREATER TUNA, A TUNA CHRISTMAS, RED, WHITE, AND TUNA, and TUNA DOES VEGAS. These two-person productions captivated audiences across the U.S. for more than three decades, with performances on and off Broadway and at prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center, Ford’s Theatre, the Alley Theatre in Houston, Pasadena Playhouse, and the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco.
by Joni Lorraine - Jan 28, 2025
Jaston Williams is best known as the co-creator and co-star of the beloved GREATER TUNA series of plays, including GREATER TUNA, A TUNA CHRISTMAS, RED, WHITE, AND TUNA, and TUNA DOES VEGAS. These two-person productions captivated audiences across the U.S. for more than three decades, with performances on and off Broadway and at prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center, Ford’s Theatre, the Alley Theatre in Houston, Pasadena Playhouse, and the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL and More Come to the Players' Ring
by Stephi Wild - Nov 13, 2024
The Players’ Ring Theatre has a full line-up of holiday shows this upcoming season. Learn more about the full upcoming performance lineup at the venue here!
by Stephi Wild - Nov 13, 2024
The Players’ Ring Theatre has a full line-up of holiday shows this upcoming season. Learn more about the full upcoming performance lineup at the venue here!
Photos: A TUNA CHRISTMAS At Casa Mañana
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 8, 2024
Casa Mañana continues its 24-25 Broadway season with the seasonal play A Tuna Christmas, See photos from the production.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 8, 2024
Casa Mañana continues its 24-25 Broadway season with the seasonal play A Tuna Christmas, See photos from the production.
44 " THE (un)OFFICIAL, (un)SANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL To Have Invited New York Premiere Showcase
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 6, 2024
44 – THE (un)OFFICIAL, (un)SANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL will have its New York premiere showcase on June 24, 25, and 26, offering a unique theatrical experience centered around the former President.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 6, 2024
44 – THE (un)OFFICIAL, (un)SANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL will have its New York premiere showcase on June 24, 25, and 26, offering a unique theatrical experience centered around the former President.
Cape May Stage Sets 2023 Season Featuring SHIRLEY VALENTINE, Carole J. Bufford & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 9, 2023
Cape May Stage has announced its 34th season as Cape May's premier professional theater. They invite you to join them as they present the 2023 season filled with award- winning plays that will entertain you, make you feel, and make you think, all while enjoying an intimate theatrical experience in the historic Robert Shackleton Playhouse.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 9, 2023
Cape May Stage has announced its 34th season as Cape May's premier professional theater. They invite you to join them as they present the 2023 season filled with award- winning plays that will entertain you, make you feel, and make you think, all while enjoying an intimate theatrical experience in the historic Robert Shackleton Playhouse.
Hill Country Community Theatre To Present A TUNA CHRISTMAS This Holiday Season
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 23, 2022
Hill Country Community Theatre present A TUNA CHRISTMAS to ring in the holiday season!
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 23, 2022
Hill Country Community Theatre present A TUNA CHRISTMAS to ring in the holiday season!
Portland Stage Presents SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL ADVENTURE This Weekend
by Stephi Wild - Oct 27, 2022
Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure by Steven Dietz, adapted from the original 1899 play by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and William Gillette, opens at Portland Stage Friday, October 28 at 7:30 pm.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 27, 2022
Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure by Steven Dietz, adapted from the original 1899 play by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and William Gillette, opens at Portland Stage Friday, October 28 at 7:30 pm.
Hill Country Community Theatre Announces Cast for A TUNA CHRISTMAS
by Blair Ingenthron - Oct 23, 2022
Hill Country Community Theatre is already planning for Christmas entertainment on stage; this holiday season will feature a small-town Texas favorite with big laughs: A TUNA CHRISTMAS. The two-actor farce will run over three December weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
by Blair Ingenthron - Oct 23, 2022
Hill Country Community Theatre is already planning for Christmas entertainment on stage; this holiday season will feature a small-town Texas favorite with big laughs: A TUNA CHRISTMAS. The two-actor farce will run over three December weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
GREATER TUNA to Open at The TADA Theatre in August
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 18, 2022
The hilarious comedy Greater Tuna will open at The TADA Theatre August 11th. Broadcasting from radio station OKKK, its two broadcasters, Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie, introduce us to Texas' third smallest town, Tuna, Texas and its eclectic band of Tuna citizens - men, women, children and animals alike - all portrayed by only two actors.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 18, 2022
The hilarious comedy Greater Tuna will open at The TADA Theatre August 11th. Broadcasting from radio station OKKK, its two broadcasters, Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie, introduce us to Texas' third smallest town, Tuna, Texas and its eclectic band of Tuna citizens - men, women, children and animals alike - all portrayed by only two actors.
Hendersonville Theatre Serves Up Laughs With RED, WHITE, AND TUNA
by A.A. Cristi - May 25, 2022
Hendersonville Theatre is ready to celebrate the 4th of July with their production of Red, White and Tuna. This comedic spoof of life in rural America runs on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons from June 17 to July 3.
by A.A. Cristi - May 25, 2022
Hendersonville Theatre is ready to celebrate the 4th of July with their production of Red, White and Tuna. This comedic spoof of life in rural America runs on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons from June 17 to July 3.
The Ritz Partners With Camden County College To Present GREATER TUNA
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 7, 2022
The Ritz Theatre Company will partner with Camden County College for the first time ever to present Greater Tuna, a hilarious send-up of small-town morals and mores that features just two actors creating the entire population of Tuna (Texas' third-smallest town) in a 'tour de farce' of quick change artistry. The show runs at The Ritz from February 11th through February 27th.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 7, 2022
The Ritz Theatre Company will partner with Camden County College for the first time ever to present Greater Tuna, a hilarious send-up of small-town morals and mores that features just two actors creating the entire population of Tuna (Texas' third-smallest town) in a 'tour de farce' of quick change artistry. The show runs at The Ritz from February 11th through February 27th.
GREATER TUNA to Open at Hatbox Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 28, 2021
The comic play Greater Tuna opens at Hatbox Theatre on October 23rd and runs through November 8th. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for members, seniors, and students and $12 for senior members.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 28, 2021
The comic play Greater Tuna opens at Hatbox Theatre on October 23rd and runs through November 8th. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for members, seniors, and students and $12 for senior members.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Joe Sears been in?
Joe Sears has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.
How many West End shows has Joe Sears been in?
Joe Sears has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Joe Sears been nominated for?
Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Red, White and Tuna, Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Red, White, and Tuna , Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for A Tuna Christmas, Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Foreigner, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Tuna Christmas, Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for A Tuna Christmas, Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Olivier Awards) for A Tuna Christmas and Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Greater Tuna.
How many shows has Joe Sears written?
Joe Sears has written 1 shows including A Tuna Christmas (Playwright).
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