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Audience Warmly Welcomes “The Nerd” to Totem Pole Playhouse Ben Dennis May 29, 2015 If laughter genuinely is the best medicine, the only prescription provided lies within Caledonia State Park. Upon the opening of the 65th Anniversary season of Totem Pole Playhouse, drama veterans, young students and first­time theatre goers were all in attendance Friday night to share an evening with one another, an occasion defined in cheerful emotion. Totem Pole Playhouse’s comedic production of Larry Shue’s, “The Nerd” follows the social interactions between driven architect Willum Cubbert, (Eric Szmanda of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) his friend Axel Hammond (Joe Brack) and love interest Tansey McGinnis (Kelsey Landon). The play’s hilarity ensues subsequent to the arrival of Rick Steadman, (Shane Partlow) a man who saved the life of Willum during the Vietnam War and whom he has never met prior to his arrival. Additional characters aid in a successful theatrical presentation, exuding tremendous amounts of interpersonal depth, credited to the actors behind these roles. Returning Totem Pole favorite Paris Peet becomes the tempered businessman Warnock Waldgrave alongside actress Jane Labanz, Waldgrave’s wife Celia. Together, they function as a duo with sparkling connectivity. Peet, instantly recognized by audiences upon his initial entrance and co star Labanz poignantly showcase their unmistakable talents with professionalism. The obnoxiously pretentious role of Thor Waldgrave, Warnock and Celia’s young son, is played by Shippensburg fifth grader, Donovan Yaukey. Yaukey, who has performed in various children’s theatre productions in Southern Pennsylvania, proclaims that locals who are unsure about seeing “The Nerd” should travel to Totem Pole to connect with a story in which one can gain valuable lessons for life. “The show has a really good message...don’t judge a book by it’s cover”, states the enthusiastic young actor. Despite being a comedy of absurdity rather than a comedy of intellect, Yaukey’s perception of the current running production at Totem Pole Playhouse is especially sincere. Whether audiences flock to observe a play, a musical, or a dance showcase, the opportunity for viewers to receive valuable insight able to be translated personally, will continue emanating itself toward audiences of all ages. The Performance An opening door on opening night. Act One kicks off with the introduction of one seemingly awkward architect called Will and his outlandish, yet familiarly sure of himself friend, Axel. Television actor Eric Szmanda, most notably known as “Greg Sanders” on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, distributes a charming personalized telling of the somewhat vague persona of Willum Cubbert. Exemplifying relatable and easily recognizable humanistic qualities, Szmanda often highlights numerous key components audiences search for in a dramatic leading man. Cubbert’s clearly stated, (although indirect) “show off” in personal nature of a friend, Axel, actor Joe Brack puts forth not only a memorable deliverance of comedy, but recurring glimpses of an up and coming comedy theatrical great. Brack’s witty and somewhat brash facial expressions send audiences into long­lasting spurts of boisterous chuckles. Kelsey Landon taking on the role of Tansey, effectively conveys a hard­working young woman with enjoyable dialogic commotions of humor. This achievement is quickly examined by onlookers amid the actress’s stage interaction with Jane Labanz. The overall craftsmanship in the casting of Totem Pole’s, “The Nerd” is smoothly glued together by an actor observantly born for the role of Rick Steadman, Shane Partlow. Skillfully polished and far from any notion of ambiguity, Partlow is positively funny. Steady and true to the character’s written form, enormous amounts of whimsical synergy is deposited via Partlow’s qualifications to convey someone so unusually absurd. A memorable summer begins at Totem Pole Playhouse Following the firmly successful 64th season at The Playhouse, Artistic Director Rowan Joseph had big shoes to fill, his own. What could he bring to the table for the 2015 dramatic extravaganza? Versatility. Succeeding “The Nerd” (running until June 14) at the historic theatre in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, “Shenandoah” (June 19­July 5) is set to grace the stage and entertain audiences as the exceptional Civil War era musical. Continuing the communally loved culture at Totem Pole, the Playhouse also presents this summer “The Memoirs of Abraham Lincoln” (July 10­26), “Grease” (July 31­August 16) and “Lovesick Blues” (August 18­23). With a total of 5 shows on the roster, all particular to their own subjectivity, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In attendance during the May 29th preview performance of “The Nerd”, past Totem Pole Playhouse musical director Darren Server (contributing his talents most recently in the 2014 production of “Godspell”) voiced his thoughts on why live theatre is so special. “Live theatre is like a team sport. Every performance can mean life or death”. Server continued, “The interaction between the audience and the actor is different every night. The two together make different entities.” For tickets and further information, contact the box office at 1­888­805­7056, or visit: www.totempoleplayhouse.org