Union College Theatre Presents: The Nerd

There's nothing like a good comedy to chase away the mid-winter blues. Take advantage of Union College Theatre's outrageous farce, The Nerd, because it is sure to blast away the deepest depression.

The play will open Thursday, February 12 with performances continuing on February 13, 14, 20, and 21. Curtain for all performances is 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the Union College Bookstore and at the Rector Little Theatre prior to performances. General admission is $5.00.

Matthew Wells, a senior theatre major, is directing this laugh-a-minute comedy. Matthew has been one of the mainstays of UCT ever since his arrival in 1997. Alternating between onstage and backstage, Matthew has constructed most of the sets for fourteen shows.

The play centers around Willum and his problems. A struggling architect in Terre Haute, Indiana, Willum is initially looking forward to a visit from a man he's never met. This man, Rick Steadman, saved his life in Viet Nam. Unfortunately, Rick Steadman turns out to be a complete nerd, who turns Willum's life into a living nightmare.

Chris Karr, a senior at Corbin High School, returns to take on the role of Willum. Chris became an audience favorite when he appeared in two of the funniest scenes from The Good Doctor and UCT is pleased to have him back.

Almost unrecognizable as the nerd, Danny Nettleton has appeared in such roles as Orgon in Tartuffe: Born Again and as the clueless husband in "The Seduction," from The Good Doctor.
Ashley LaFlamm takes on her first leading role as Willum's spirited girlfriend, Tansy. Working either backstage or onstage, Ashley has participated in every show since her arrival as a freshman.

Elisha Comer, another veteran and the absolute favorite with all audiences for The Good Doctor, plays the part of a timid but high-strung woman. Between her bully of a husband and her monster of a child her only refuge is to break china plates.

Ashley Bowman, another UCT veteran despite being only fifteen, is having a great deal of fun making her character, Thor, as much of a monster child as possible.

Two talented new comers round out the cast of The Nerd. Russell Stamper, a graduate of Knox Central High School, takes on the role of Axel. Willum's best friend, Axel alternates between helping and hindering but is always ready with his witty and wry comments on any situation.

Heath Cliver makes his first UCT appearance as "Ticky" Waldgrave, a successful businessman who never misses an opportunity to bully his way through situations as the proverbial "bull in a china shop."

Veteran Ricky Ball heads the technical staff as stage manager. Other members of the all-veteran crew are Amanda Ingels, Gabrielle Mellendorf, Nichole Ott, Megan Ehresman, Joe Utt, and Chris Garland.

January 30, 2004

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