Absurd Nerd at the Walton
by Christopher Key
Playwright Larry Shue supposedly died in a plane crash in
1985. If he was a character in one of
his own farces, he’d wait a few days, then spring out of a closet wearing
Groucho glasses and a silly hat, screaming “Just kidding!”
Suffice it to say that subtlety is not one of his strong
points. If a joke doesn’t work, have the
actor say it again, much louder. Yeah, I
know, it’s farce. I guess Shue is an
acquired taste that I never acquired.
That’s OK. Most people are
revolted by my fondness for Laphroaig.
I thought I’d better get that disclaimer out of the way so
that you wouldn’t think I hated The Nerd,
playing through the end of the month at Mount Baker Theatre’s Walton
venue. I didn’t hate it. It’s just not my brand of single-malt.
There is no doubt that The
Nerd is funny and there was no doubt that the opening night audience loved
it. Director Corey D. McDaniel obviously
loves Shue’s work and knows how to handle it: balls to the wall, no holds
barred and over the top is not far enough.
The cast gives it their all and then some. The energy they pour into this production
would wean the world off fossil fuels if it could be tapped. Frankly, I was exhausted just watching them.
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| Photo credit - Damian Vines |
Seattle actor Daniel Wood is awe-inspiring in the title role
as the house guest from Hell. His
characterization reminded me of some of Dick Martin’s more inspired moments
from Laugh-In and that’s a very high
compliment, if somewhat dated. Hell, I’m
somewhat dated, to state the obvious.
André Nelson is another Seattle actor who plays Vietnam vet
Willum Cubbert. His life was saved by
Rick Steadman and he is eternally grateful.
Until Steadman (The Nerd) moves in.
Any PTSD he might have acquired in Nam is nothing compared to what his
new roomie can do. Nelson’s gradual
descent into madness is a joy to behold.
His girlfriend, Tansy, is about to realize her dream of
becoming a weather girl in the nation’s capital, leaving him in Terre
Haute. Rep veteran Jennifer A. Ewing not
only looks like a warm front, but is the only character in the play to maintain
any shred of dignity.
Christopher C. Cariker is a local fave, having played the
Rep before. He plays Warnock Waldegrave,
a real estate tycoon who is a sort of Donald Trump, only meaner. I’d compare his slow burn to that of Edgar
Kennedy, but I’ve already revealed far too much about my vintage.
His wife, Clelia, is played by Seattle actor Megan Ahlers. In her Rep debut, she completely captures the
teacher of what are now called special-needs students. Her guiding principle: speak slowly and
loudly enough and they will understand.
These two have a child, Thor, who, as one character puts it,
“…is a convincing argument for Planned Parenthood.” Zane Barrett is yet another example of why Bellingham
Arts Academy for Youth is such a treasure.
His role consists mostly of screaming, but he does it magnificently.
Tying the whole ridiculous plot together is Cubbert’s friend
Axel Hammond, a theatre critic. I saved
him for last because he’s what I might have become if I were gay and stuck in
Terre Haute. Dan Ruiz Salvatura is catty
and campy and runs away with the show amidst very stiff competition.
As is expected at any Rep show, the techies are superb and
should all be listed here, but I’m worn out after watching this riotous romp.
They’re listed in the program. Please
appreciate them.
The Nerd runs
through February 28 at the Harold and Irene Walton Theatre, one of the best
performance spaces in Bellingham. Opening
night was close to a full house, so order your tickets now by calling the Mount
Baker Theatre box office at (360) 734-6080 or online at http://www.mountbakertheatre.com/shows/.
The ending is worthy of O. Henry and there I go again…
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