MSC OPAS is thrilled to present the new virtual show “I Saw the Lights,” starring Texas favorite Jaston Williams of “Greater Tuna” fame in a darkly funny solo performance. The show, filmed at the State Theatre in Austin, will premiere online Friday, January 29 at 7 p.m., and it will be available to view for the 48 hours to follow. Tickets are $25 (general)/$35 (VIP) and are on sale now. Visit MSCOPAS.org for more information. The virtual performance is sponsored by Nikki Pederson Talent Network, Premier Properties, and West, Webb, Allbritton & Gentry.
When mysterious lights appeared over Lubbock in 1951, people wondered aloud whether they were part of some government plot, an invasion by the Russians or just seeing space aliens out to abduct Francine Whitharrel’s Persian cat. In “I Saw the Lights,” you will hear from the preacher with too much sense of humor, the hippie whose girlfriend longs to become a Comanche, a socialite from Connecticut who holds grudges against trees, and the cowboy with a chronic fear of water. All in all, nine variant characters are drawn together by the inexplicable and are forever bonded through their humanity and humor.
OPAS Executive Director Anne Black states, “Our patrons have a wonderful connection to Jaston through his many performances in Rudder as part of the Tuna series. He’s a remarkable performer and a gifted comedic and dramatic actor. We are thrilled to partner with our Texas presenter contemporaries to offer this virtual premiere of his one-man tour-de-force on January 29.”
Playwright and performer Jaston Williams is best known as the co-author and co-actor of the hilarious “Greater Tuna” quartet of plays, each set in the fictional town of Tuna, the third-smallest town in the state. But he’s been a part of many celebrated stage presentations throughout his career. Williams’ performances have played on and off Broadway, throughout the US, and in all corners of Texas. He received the national Marquee Award, a lifetime achievement award from the League of Historic American Theatres. And among other honors, he’s also the recipient of the Texas Governor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts and the 2013 Texas Medial of the Arts award.
Tickets for “I Saw the Lights” are available for purchase now at MSCOPAS.org. A general virtual event ticket is $25; VIP tickets are also available and include access to a post-show Q&A.
Courtesy of Craig Boleman, MSC OPAS