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Set in Terre Haute, Indiana in late 1979,The Nerd presents the story of Willum Cubbert, an unassuming young architect, friends Tansy and Axel and unexpected houseguest Rick, who had saved Willum's life in Vietnam.
Over the years, Willum and Rick had exchanged occasional letters and greeting cards, though they never met. Willum has promised Rick that he could come to him for help at any time. While Willum is hosting a dinner party for his boss, Rick shows up. His awkward manner and inappropriate behavior throw the occasion into shambles. Rick decides to move in. Eventually at his wit's end, Willum decides to take a chance on Axel's plan to get rid of Rick. Larry Shue (July 23, 1946 – September 23, 1985) was an American playwright and actor, best known for writing two often-performed farces, The Nerd and The Foreigner. Shue was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and grew up in Kansas and Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Shue's two best-known plays were written and first performed while he was playwright-in-residence at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. The Nerd was presented in April 1981; author Shue played the role of Willum Cubbert. The play ran on Broadway for 441 performances (March 22, 1987 - April 10, 1988), starring Mark Hamill and directed by Charles Nelson Reilly. |
Character Descriptions
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Willum Cubbert
Willum is an architect, currently designing a hotel for Mr. Waldgrave, and a pushover. He's kind and intelligent, but Tansy says he "could use a little gumption." He lacks the backbone to stand up for himself. Originally played by Mark Hamill on Broadway, and later replaced by Gary Burghoff. Tansy McGinnis Willum's on-again, off-again girlfriend. She's been offered her dream job in Washington, D.C., and feels guilty for leaving Willum behind. Idealistic, perky, weather woman, and is just as kind as Willum. Originally played by Patricia Kalember on Broadway. Axel Hammond Willum's best friend and Tansy's ex. He's a pretentious, often-inebriated drama critic, always ready with a sarcastic comment. Originally played by Peter Riegert on Broadway. |
Rick Steadman
The titular "nerd." He's oblivious to insult and lacks manners or sensitivity. He tells Willum that he works as an inspector at a chalk factory in Wisconsin. Originally played by Robert Joy on Broadway. Warnock Waldgrave A boisterous, slightly dim businessman, owner of eight hotels, with no creativity and no tact. He never smiles. Originally played by Wayne Tippit on Broadway. Clelia Waldgrave Mr. Waldgrave's high-strung, put-upon wife. She holds back all of her emotions, and only releases her stress when she can break "something small." Originally played by Pamela Blair on Broadway. Thor Waldgrave The Waldgraves' terror of a son. "Poster child for planned parenthood." Spends most of the play hiding in a closet or bedroom. Originally played by Timothy Geissler on Broadway. |
