The irony of "Meet the Parents," the pity of "A Series of Unfortunate Events” and the irritating qualities of everyone's Uncle Bob come together in the wonderfully horrible cacophony of "The Nerd,” which will be presented at Robert E. Lee High School.
Willum Cubbert (played by Patrick Rooney) is a simple, good man, who makes his living as an architect. He is quietly turning 34, while his friends come to his party where he insists “no presents.” This seems simple enough; only close friends, his employer, and an old army figure from his past are invited. Little did he know the nightmare that would descend.
A friend, though musing for more than that, of Willum is Tansy McGinnis (played by Aliki Pappas). She is an aspiring Weather Girl who will shortly be moving to Washington. There is clear chemistry between Tansy and Willum, but she’s unwilling to act upon it and he lacks the gumption to insist.
Alongside Tansy is Axel (played by Scott Nickley), who is a drama critic with a Simon Cowell-esque view of life. He and Tansy do all that they can to improve the situation of their friend, but find they are dealing with much more than they bargained for.
Rick Steadman. The name of the man who would single-handedly destroy Willum’s simplistic peace of mind was Rick Steadman (played by Walid Chaya). He made his entrance at the party dressed as the Creature from the Black Lagoon, or something along similar lines, mistaking it for a Halloween party. Before long, the plot of “The Creature of the Black Lagoon” sounds much less terrifying (albeit also less hilarious) than that of “The Nerd.”
Once Rick Steadman arrives, he proves to have some force stronger than determination and strength keeping him rooted at Willum’s house: obliviousness. From the moment he accidentally throws the entire party’s socks and shoes into a lake outside, Rick has worn out his welcome.
Over all, “The Nerd” provides a strong satire on humanity and its qualities, and the Lee Drama Department is looking forward to bringing it to the public.