LACK OF COMEDIC TIMING DEEMS 'NERD' A LOSER

Larry Shue, a talented young actor and playwright, had his career cut short at the age of 39 by the crash of a commuter plane in Weyer's Cove, Virginia, in 1985. One of his best known plays was written and first performed while he was playwright-in-residence at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.  The Nerd, which premiered in April 1981, was produced in London's West End and transferred to Broadway in 1987. In the final production of their 2006 season, Metropolis Performing Arts Center presents a very disappointing version of Larry Shue's Midwestern farce.

The story is about Willum (Luke Renn) who delightfully welcomes his life saving hero, Rick (Scott Woldman), into his life.  Willum's delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a nerd.  Rick is a hopeless, bumbling oaf with no social sense and little intelligence who refuses to leave his apartment.  Willum must figure out how to get rid of Rick before he ruins his life. Rounding out the rest of the cast are Charlie Beck, Tim Klein, Ted Marzolf and Catherine Ann Sullivan. (Note: Carrie Wickert filled in for Cassandra Liveris on this night.)

The script has some very funny lines, a twist ending and lots of opportunity for physical humor, but this production falls flat on its face in its execution.  Supporting characters Warnock Waldgrave and his wife Clelia, played by Beck and Sullivan, are boring and seem only interested in being in the moment when it's their turn to deliver a line. Their son, played by Marzolf, can not stop smiling every time he is on stage, even though the role does not call for all that smiling. Understudy Wickert lacks the charisma of a leading lady and is not believable in the role as Willum's love interest.

Renn, Woldman, and the neighbor Axel, played by Klein, all give middle-of-the-road performances that were nothing special to watch.  The comedic timing by the actors is dismal all night and once again there seems to be some very poor casting choices at Metropolis.  It leaves you wondering why they are unable to draw top talent, considering they are so close to Chicago.

Another beautiful scenic design by Dustin Efirid and some nice choices of direction by Jason Kae are not nearly enough to save this bleak show.

The Nerd

When: Through June 18th

Where: Metropolis Performing Arts Centre,

Prices: $19 - $37