Freshman play provides comedy in “The Nerd”

Freshman actors in the middle of performances from comical "The Nerd" play, which had shows on Oct. 14 and 15.

Alexey Basov

Freshman actors in the middle of performances from comical “The Nerd” play, which had shows on Oct. 14 and 15.

On Oct. 14-15, Hinsdale Central’s drama club held this year’s freshman play “The Nerd” by Larry Shue, directed by Mr. Paul Woods, science teacher. 

This play follows an architect Willum Cubbert on his birthday surrounded by his girlfriend Tansy McGinnis and his friend Axel Hammond. He is visited by an old friend Rick Steadman that starts acting difficult by messing up Willum’s work, following Willum everywhere and being annoying and nerdy overall. The architect’s boss comes over to visit and the “Nerd” is continuously causing unexpected disarray. Chaos is about to ensue as Willum starts to snap. 

Another depiction of the freshman actors in humorous scene.
Courtesy of Alexey Basov

“It’s an oldie but a goodie,” said Albin Strongberg.  “It’s been a process, a bit of a rollercoaster, but we’re getting through it and we’re almost there.”

As Hinsdale Central started the beginning of school later than usual, there was a short amount of time to get the play rolling.

“Rehearsals began the first week of school,” said Laura Armstrong (Tansy), freshman. “I auditioned on Tuesday, the second day of school.”

 

Although there was a more accelerated preparation time, many of the cast were familiar and experienced with working in drama and were excited to get into Hinsdale Central’s drama program. 

“Counting musicals, I’ve done 30 shows… I started when I was 5,” Armstrong said. “I wanted to further my experience and definitely try something out and become a part of the drama club.”

Mr. Paul Woods, Hinsdale Central theater director also starred in the play as Mr. Waldgrave, the boss. Courtesy of Miette Morris

The Freshman play is a transitional and welcoming experience.

“It’s marketed where it’s just freshmen so it’s like ‘Oh, I don’t have to worry about beating out the seniors or anything like that,’” said Annika Zilliox (Clelia), freshman. “At the end of the day we do theater because we enjoy it.”

For more information about all things Hinsdale Central’s Drama club, click here