Cody Jolly and Luke Pengelly (left to right) rehearse a scene from the Timber Lake Playhouse production of The Nerd. The production opens May 30 and runs through June 9
MOUNT CARROLL, ILLINOIS (May 24, 2024) — Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP), the premier professional summer theatre of northwest Illinois, is thrilled to announce that The Nerd by Larry Shue is scheduled to open the Summer Mainstage Season at TLP on May 30.
One of the funniest plays ever written, this extraordinarily inventive, side-splitting comedy centers on the hilarious dilemma of a young architect who is visited by a man he’s never met but who saved his life in Vietnam. The visitor, turning out to be an incredibly inept, hopelessly stupid “nerd,” outstays his welcome with a vengeance.
“The Nerd is truly a great piece of entertaiment,” said TLP Executive Director Dan Danielowski. “We are excited to bring this show to our audiences in northwest Illinois.”
Set in Terre Haute, Indiana in late 1979, The Nerd centers on Willum Cubbert, a young architect who is visited by Rick Steadman, a fellow ex-GI whom he has never met but who saved his life after he was seriously wounded in Vietnam. Willum is delighted when Rick shows up unexpectedly at his apartment on the night of his thirty-fourth birthday party. However, Rick's awkward manner and inappropriate behavior throw the occasion into shambles. And Rick stays on and on. His continued presence among Willum and his friends leads to one uproarious incident after another.
TLP’s production of The Nerd is directed by Jay Berkow, director of last season’s The Lightning Thief. The production features scenic design by TLP Alumn Spencer Donovan, lighting design by Abi Farnsworth, costume design by Rachel McElwain, props design by Gabe Seplow, and sound design by Michael Donahue. Meg Rosenberg will assume the role of Production Stage Manager.
In the title role of “The Nerd” is Cody Jolly. Jolly is a long-time member of the Timber Lake Family, acting at the Playhouse for over ten years. Most recently, you saw him in last season’s comedy, The 39 Steps. Rounding out the cast is Luke Pengelly, Dana Kreitz, Austin Winter, Matthew Van Gessel, and Brie McClellan. Local actors Ryker Robinson and Noah Query will share the role of the young Thor Waldgrave.
This Is the Moment to come to Timber Lake Playhouse and make lasting memories. Information and tickets for all Timber Lake events are available online at timberlakeplayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at (815) 244-2035. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 10AM-5PM, and on performance dates through intermission.
