“The Nerd” is a show that builds slowly, ending in a crescendo of comedy that will leave you laughing out loud with your head spinning a bit trying to keep up with the action.
This is community theater that’s four-star funny. The relatively new Phoenix Theatre (formerly Edge of the World Theatre) is doing everything right, opening with a lovely remodel, designing stage sets that are perfect down to the last detail, selecting one-two punch comedies and even bringing in first-rate talent.
“The Nerd” has several new cast members, some of whom who have honed their skills in Seattle productions. The result is a high-quality show delivered by debuting director Loren Reynolds.
We take special note of actor Lantz Wagner, who played Axel with razor-sharp timing. And applause for returning Phoenix actor Steve Heiret whose nerd portrayal made us simultaneously cringe and crow with laughter.
“The Nerd” is set around 1980 in Terre Haute, Ind., and devolves into a madcap farce about meek architect Willum Cubbert and his friends Tansy and Axel, who are throwing a dinner party. However, the event gets hilariously interrupted by Rick Stedman. It seems Stedman saved Cubbert’s life in Vietnam, but the men had not yet met in person.
Rick turns out to be stunningly awkward and inappropriate. After enduring Rick’s tambourine, thick-headedness and stalking, Willum takes Axel up on a plan to rid them all of the pest. The plan works, but not without an extremely clever “who’s-on-first” sequence and a surprise twist at the end that will leave you a little dizzy.
Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424 goffredo@heraldnet.com
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