Denison Theatre presents “The Nerd”

Date of Event: September 30, 2011

Posted: September 23, 2011

GRANVILLE, Ohio— Denison University Theatre opens its 81^st season with “The Nerd,” a delightful comedy written by Larry Shue and directed by Peter Pauzé, associate professor of theatre. Performances begin at 8 p.m. in the Ace Morgan Theatre (211 West College Street). Performance dates are Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct.1; and Tuesday, Oct. 4, thru Saturday, Oct. 8. Ticket prices are $8 for general admission, $5 for senior citizens, and $4 for students. For reservations and information about season subscriptions, contact the box office at 740-587-6527 or visit www.denison.edu.

Witty repartee and madcap slapstick are nicely balanced in this family-friendly play. Rising young architect Willum Cubbert has often told his friends about the debt he owes to Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life in Iraq. He has pledged to Rick that “you will always have somebody on this earth who will do anything for you.” Willum is thrilled when Rick shows up, until it becomes apparent that he is a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and less tact. Can Willum’s career survive this invasion? Can his friends possibly help?

Willum is portrayed by first-year student Jacob Betts (Bryan, Ohio) and Rick by senior Kale Hills (Kansas City, Mo.). The architect’s well-intentioned friends Tansy and Axel are played by juniors Ellen Rosebrough (Wildwood, Mo.) and Emily Schuman (New York). Willum’s pompous client and tag-along family are played by junior Tian Hongyi (Xian, China) and sophomores Meghan Callahan (Centennial, Colo.) and Jennifer Salkin (Solon, Ohio).

Serving as assistant director is junior Elyse Dolan (Canal Winchester, Ohio). Senior Rachel Nin (Morgan Hill, Calif.) is the stage manager. Senior Brianna Gordon (Mission Viejo, Calif.) is the costume designer. Senior Owen Beamer (Newark, Ohio) is the sound designer.

Jeffrey Gress, assistant professor of theatre at Capital University, is the scenic designer and the lighting is by Andrew Johns, assistant professor of theatre and technical director at Denison.

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING, Denison University Theatre, Granville— “The Nerd” at 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30, Saturday, Oct. 1, and Tuesday, Oct. 4, thru Saturday, Oct. 8, in the Ace Morgan Theatre (211 W. College St.): $8 general admission, $5 senior citizens, $4 students. Reservations may be made by calling 740-587-6527.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For event inquiries:

Name: Marilyn Sundin
Position Title
Primary Email: sundin@denison.edu

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