The Visalia Community Players open their 51st Season with the community theatre standard, Larry Shue’s The Nerd. A deft piece of situation comedy, The Nerd’s script offers an over-the-top character in the midst of a smart set of circumstances.
When young architect Willum Hubbert (Chase Darwin) hears from the mysterious vet that saved his life in a warzone, of course he’s excited to have him as a guest for a while. Until his lifesaver turns into the bane of his existence. A completely socially inept and downright obnoxious guest, Rick (Martin Belmana) subsequently begins to dismantle Willum’s life piece by piece. . . until Willum manages to brave up and speak his mind.
That final bit, the theme of being able to communicate bravely and live without fear is a central theme to the script, and unfortunately one that was not hit hard enough in this production. Director Samantha Muse does a fine job staging the piece, especially considering it’s her first time out on her own, but she seemed to miss the point of the story. The production seemed tentative, slow to take action, and uncertain. . . the exact opposite of the theme of the story.
In the central roles, Darwin and Belmana work solidly together, keeping the pacing going well and working with confidence belying their ages. Sergio Garza as the wry drama critic neighbor is a standout in the production with his adept delivery of cutting witticism. Summer Robinson is aptly cast as Willum’s weather-girl girlfriend, but there is a giant lack of chemistry between her and Darwin that results in some very disconnected and awkward moments.
The production values of the show are solid (these shows are deceptively technical) although the pre-show and intermission music didn’t seem to have anything to do with setting the tone of the show. It seemed like an afterthought. As did the decision not to have warmers on the open set during preshow and intermission. We live in an experiential economy and the tone needs to be set from the moment audiences set foot in the theatre to the moment they leave. Not to give them a taste of what’s to come does them a disservice.
Overall, though, the show was quite entertaining which was its primary mission. Aside from a few slow, sloppy moments, it is a decent evening at the theatre.
A good effort, but flawed.
Originally published September 12, 2007
