Westchester Actors in Production of 'The Nerd', Opening November 6

The Nerd, a two-act comedy written by American playwright Larry Shue opens on Friday, November 6 at the Darien Arts Center, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2015. This top grossing American play is based on the hilarious dilemma of Willum Cubbert, an unassuming young architect visited by a man he’s never met, but who saved his life while unconscious in Vietnam. The visitor turns out to be an incredibly inept, hopelessly stupid “nerd” who outstays his welcome with a vengeance. The DAC Stage production, filled with laughter and silliness, has enlisted the help of two Westchester actors to to deliver all kinds of humor to audiences.

David Ryan, from Ardsley, plays Axel Hammond, a smart aleck drama critic and mutual friend to both Willum and Tansy, his roommate. Ryan has appeared with Lawn Chair Theatre as Paris in Romeo and Juliet, Biondello in Taming of the Shrew, and Sebastian in The Tempest. He also has appeared often with Red Monkey Theatre Group, playing Burgundy in King Lear, Laertes in Hamlet, and Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet. He has also worked with Centerstage Playhouse and Hot Lips Productions. He has appeared at St. Paul’s National Historic Church, Washington Irving’s Sunnyside and at the Player’s Club in Gramercy.

Scott Fauble, from White Plains plays Warnock Walgrave, a potentially large client for Willum, with an obnoxious young son, Thor. He is making his acting debut with DAC Stage and is calling upon childhood memories to portray some of the quirky aspects of small-city life in the comedy, which takes place in Terre Haute, Indiana in late 1979. Bringing this play even closer to his heart are remembrances of the summer he spent working in a chalk factory.

Other cast members include Darien, CT residents Nova Hall and twelve-year-old Jake Smith. Norris Wakefield plays Willum, while longtime DAC Stage actress Deborah Burke joins the cast as Clelia, Warnock’s wife. Roger Dykeman plays the tactless, insensitive and aggravating nerd and is among notable actors who have been cast in this role, including acclaimed British comedian Rowan Atkinson.

The Nerd was the top grossing American play in London’s West End in 1986 and ran on Broadway in 1987 for 441 performances, starring Mark Hamill and directed by Charles Nelson Reilly. Bob Johnson, teacher, drama advisor, and director at Westhill High School in Stamford, CTdirects the DAC Stage production and commented, “The chemistry among this cast is just incredible; we are all in stitches already at rehearsals. The show will surely give our audiences a good laugh.” Darien resident Autumn Howard and Anthony Tedesco co-produce the DAC play, which is family friendly for ages 8 and up.

The Nerd is produced by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, with performances on November 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. and on November 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at darienarts.org or 30 minutes prior to performances at the door. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Road, Darien, CT, behind the Darien Town Hall. For more information, call (203) 655-8683.

Pictured in rehearsal are Norris Wakefield, David Ryan, Deborah Burke, Jake Smith, Scott Faubel, Nova Hall, and Roger Dykeman. Photo #2: David Ryan. Photo #3: Scott Faubel.

Founded in 1975, the Darien Arts Center (DAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing visual and performing arts programs and events for the community. The DAC offers educational programs in Dance, Visual Arts, Music & Theatre, & special events & live theatre performances by DAC Stage. Private donations, grants, tuition fees & ticket sales fund the DAC, which is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. For further information, call (203) 655-8683 or visit darienarts.org.