Salem turns to "The Nerd" to save the day

Staff report

SALEM

The Salem Community Theatre is bringing back “The Nerd” for a two-weekend run beginning Friday.

“The Nerd” played to packed houses in the 2007-08 season with Dan Haueter in the title role, and Haueter will reprise the role in the upcoming production.

Set in Terre Haute, Ind., the story follows William Cubbert, an architect who — aside from having relationship problems and designing a building that’s past due — is faced with an unexpected visit from a man whom he’s never seen before but who somehow saved his life in the war.

The visitor is Rick Steadman, aka the nerd, who moves in with Cubbert and drives everyone to the brink of insanity.

In the production five years ago, Haueter was a howl. The Vindicator’s review said his performance alone was worth the price of admission.

Cast newcomer Ed Butch plays the beaten-down Cubbert, who tries to salvage his relationship with weather girl Tansy McGinnis, again played by Connie Baer, while keeping his house-guests from killing Steadman.

Karen Losito also is back, reprising her role as Clelia Waldgrave, the dish-breaking wife of Ticky Waldgrave, a self-made millionaire in the business empire. Will Kinser plays the couple’s young son Thor, a juvenile delinquent in training.

Eric Kibler plays Axel Hammond, Cubbert’s wisecracking friend. Kibler is new to this cast but is no stranger to the show itself, having directed it in the ’80s.