THE NERD, Hale Center Theater Orem; continues through Feb. 8; box office: 1-801-226-8600. Running time: 2 hours (one intermission).
PROVO — We have all met one — the kind of person who comes to visit and stays on and on and on. A person so socially inept you vacillate from telling them off "in no uncertain terms," to holding back so you don't hurt their sensitive feelings.
Hale Center Theater's production of the late Larry Shue's "The Nerd," directed by Curt Doussett, takes this kind of situation and makes it a night of slapstick comedy and belly laughs.
This production keeps the audience in stitches until its innovative conclusion — which is comical by itself. What makes this production so great is the chemistry between the actors, the split-second timing and the script itself.
The script reads something like this. Willum Cubbert (played by Ryan Radebaugh), a blossoming architect, is being honored by his love interest, Tansy McGinnis (Jolene Sayers), and friend, Axel Hammond (Adam Johnson). They have planned a surprise birthday party to which Cubbert's current boss, Warnock Waldgrave (Larson Holyoak), his wife Clelia (Jacqueline Weyland) and son Thor (Daniel Kaplan) have been invited. All is well until Rick Steadman (Peter Brown), the man who saved Cubbert's life, comes to town.
Brown is perfectly cast for the role as Steadman, the nerd, and hero of Cubbert's life. Brown and Radebaugh play off each other well. Put Holyoak in the mix and you have a bunch of actors tossing one-liners back and forth at lightning speed. Kudos to the women who take their hypertensive roles personally and give a good show. Young Kaplan does a great job playing the spoiled son, Thor.
The sets and costuming are simple, allowing the audience to focus on the cast. However, I will never look at a brown paper bag the same was again.
If you need some comic relief in your life, or just need a great place to take a date, plan on seeing "The Nerd." You won't forget it.
E-MAIL: pugmire@desnews.com