By Jonathan Hudson
Everyone expects a bit of common decency, but how much is too much to ask for when trouble comes knocking? From deceased playwright Larry Shue comes a delightful comedy about old friends, true love and, for lack of a better word, gumption. If you enjoy theatre at all, then “The Nerd,” directed by Forrest Robinson, is an event not to be missed.
The lights come up on a 1970s apartment, the apartment of Willum Cubbert to be exact. Cubbert is an architect living in Terre Haute, Indiana. He may have troubles, his jobs might not be the best, and his girl is leaving for the East Coast, but it is not the end of the world. Everything’s under control, and his life is...good enough.
Enter Rick Steadman, a long-forgotten acquaintance who happened to save Cubbert’s life during the Vietnam War. And, with his suitcase in hand, he has brought it upon himself to pay his old friend a visit. What ensues is utter chaos, as Steadman begins ruining Cubbert’s perfectly-planned life, piece by painful piece. But even as the hijinks pile up, Cubbert must do his best to accommodate the man he owes his life to. But we all know that it is only a matter of time before something snaps.
If you are a fan of comedy, then most likely you will be a fan of Larry Shue’s play. One of the few plays Shue authored in his life, the cunning wit and brilliant situations infused in this script are enough to garner recommendations for the Biola production premiering tonight. If you enjoy theatre and you have not heard of Larry Shue, you really should look him up.
That is not to say that Biola’s production is flawless. Despite a tight script from Shue, “The Nerd” does not bring down the house. The first act is stifled and glossed-over. Try as they might, the actors are unsure of what to do with Shue’s exposition, so instead of drawing the audience into their characters, they default to speedy dialogue and overzealous delivery. The audience needs to witness Cubbert’s subtle dissatisfaction with life, or his girlfriend Tansy’s internal fight with her fate. There is also Warnock Waldgrave’s struggle for dignity and Mrs. Waldgrave’s need for respect.
Sure, “The Nerd” is a comedy, but the drama in Shue’s play is just as important, if not more so, than the humor. If you are going to laugh with these people, you must first understand them.
The part of Rick Steadman, played by freshman Bryce Alderson, is the embodiment of conflict in this tale, and Alderson plays the part well. His outfit, his posture, and his demeanor all add up to a character so obliviously annoying, you cannot help but wonder whether or not he is purposefully egging Cubbert on.
Senior Ryan Hoog performs as Willum Cubbert, the straight man in this two-hour comedy sketch. Arguably the harder of the two leads, Hoog has trouble breaking the audience into his complex character in the first act. Having said that, the second act is where Hoog really flourishes. His steady descent into insanity at the hands of Steadman is engaging and, where it is intended, hilarious. You cannot help but smile at how much better off Cubbert is as the curtain falls than he was when we first met him, thanks in large part to Hoog’s performance.
Also worth noting is the character of Tim Engle, played by Axel Hammond. The fast-talking theatre critic of the bunch, Hammond serves up most of Larry Shue’s scalding one-liners and serves them well. His quips are truly the driving comic force in this play. Regrettably, especially toward the beginning, there was a lack of comic pacing in his lines as they flew out line after line like bullets from a tommy gun. Hopefully, after a few nights with a live audience, Engle will capture that timing and fill out his character to completion.
All in all, “The Nerd” is a wonderful play, and one I recommend. Larry Shue delivers a stunning product, complete with complex characters, blazing humor and a twist ending to boot. The set is immersive and welcoming, giving a perfect backdrop to the story. The cast is well chosen, and even though most of them are new to Biola productions, their efforts should be applauded. And heck, it is showing on campus, in Theatre 21, for the next three weeks! You really have no excuse to miss “The Nerd,” so go nab your ticket now.
Your Turn
