What happens when the man who saved your life in combat shows up at your doorstep needing a place to stay?
Of course you welcome him in and say, “Yes”. However, in the hilarious farce, “The Nerd”, opening at Willits Community Theatre on Friday, August 12, mild-mannered, well-meaning architect Willum Cubbert soon finds out that his former rescuer Rick Steadman is not what he expects—but a man of no social graces and fewer redeeming qualities. Directed by Jason Edington and blessed with ... view more »
What happens when the man who saved your life in combat shows up at your doorstep needing a place to stay?
Of course you welcome him in and say, “Yes”. However, in the hilarious farce, “The Nerd”, opening at Willits Community Theatre on Friday, August 12, mild-mannered, well-meaning architect Willum Cubbert soon finds out that his former rescuer Rick Steadman is not what he expects—but a man of no social graces and fewer redeeming qualities. Directed by Jason Edington and blessed with an all-star cast, the production of “The Nerd” at WCT will quickly delight audiences as Cubbert’s best intentions turn to rollicking chaos.
First premiered in 1981, “The Nerd” by Larry Shue has since been a Broadway hit and a top-grossing American play in London’s West End. It is a play for all ages, with its bright one-liners, indelible action, reliable pacing and the hidden surprises. In addition, the character portrayals will strike a familiar chord with fans of the perennially-popular TV sitcom, “How I Met Your Mother”. Cubbert suffers the usual Ted Mosby frustrations as he watches his love interest about to leave town, his key business deal falling apart and any effort to get rid of the noxious Steadman resulting in utter futility.
Edington says he is fortunate to direct a great cast in this classic farce. “Ari Sunbeam is perfect as the hapless but true-hearted Cubbert, and Jess Craighead is wonderful as Cubbert’s best friend, a cynical theatre critic named Axel,” says Edington. Mix in Blare Elliott as the astounding love-interest Tansy, and Damian Sebouhian as Cubbert’s apoplectic business client, Warnock Waldgrave, and by turns the stakes ratchet up into true hilarity. Tami Potter appears as Warnock’s wife, the demure Clelia, and Soren Pinelli, only nine years old, is Waldgrave’s impossible son, Thor.
Edington saves special praise for Christopher Martineau, who plays Rick Steadman. “There’s a brilliant comic actor lurking beneath Martineau’s surface. He’s got superb timing. His vocal mannerisms are perfect. People will not go wrong in coming out to see this show.”
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