'THE NERD' COMES TO TOWN\Guild restages story of 2 ex-soldiers.Byline: Sherry Joe Crosby Daily News Staff Writer When Jan Marie Hayes prepares for a role, she goes all out. So when the Valencia woman was cast as Tansy tansy (tăn`zē), perennial herb (Tanacetum vulgare) of the family Asteraceae (aster family), native to Europe but naturalized in North America. McGinnis, a down-to-earth weather girl in "The Nerd," which opens tonight at the Canyon Theatre Guild Theatre Guild U.S. theatrical society. Founded in New York City in 1918 by Lawrence Langner (1890–1962) and others, the group proposed to produce high-quality, noncommercial plays. , Hayes studied Michelle Pfeiffer in the film, "Up Close and Personal" - and chopped off her waist-long hair. "It's a big break for me to play an adult woman," said Hayes, a 10-year guild member who has portrayed such characters as Raggedy Ann Raggedy Ann good-natured despite misadventures; doll with perpetual smile. [Children’s Lit.: Raggedy Ann Stories] See : Cheerfulness , a past love of Ebenezer Scrooge Ebenezer Scrooge is the main character in Charles Dickens' 1843 novel, A Christmas Carol. He is a very cold-hearted, selfish man, who has no love for Christmas, children, or anything that even provokes happiness. and a Lost Boy in Peter Pan. Directed by Rick Huntington, the play includes George D. Cummings as "The Nerd," Donovan McKechnie, Michael Levine, Linda Roth-Grayne and Tom Lund Tom Lund (born 10 September 1950) is a former Norwegian football coach and striker, considered one of Norway's best players ever. Lund spent his entire career at Norwegian club Lillestrøm, despite receiving numerous offers from big clubs abroad. . The play revolves around the relationship between two ex-soldiers, one of whom is a nerd without social grace, intelligence or wit. The comedy begins when the nerd visits the man whose life he has saved and overstays his welcome. Hayes plays the love interest of one of the ex-soldiers who now is an aspiring architect in Terre Haute Terre Haute (tĕr`ə hōt, tĕr`ē hŭt), city (1990 pop. 51,483), seat of Vigo co., W Ind., on the Wabash River; inc. 1816. , Ind. Besides watching a film and cutting her hair, Hayes relied on her skills as a mother of two to bring an edge to her sweet character. "I pulled some of that mothering experience with me," said Hayes, who has two daughters, ages 3-1/2 and 2. Originally written by Larry Shue, the play focused on the Vietnam War Vietnam War, conflict in Southeast Asia, primarily fought in South Vietnam between government forces aided by the United States and guerrilla forces aided by North Vietnam. . To appeal to contemporary audiences, Huntington updated the script and refers to the more recent Persian Gulf War Persian Gulf War or Gulf War (1990–91) International conflict triggered by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. Though justified by Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein on grounds that Kuwait was historically part of Iraq, the invasion was presumed to be . Huntington directed the play once before for the guild, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary by repeating successful plays from the past. But the second time hasn't proved boring for the director, who is dealing with a new cast and new world issues. "You can do the same play twice with a different cast and have a different play entirely," said Huntington, a 24-year guild member who has been directing plays since 1975. As a director, Huntington strives for an even tone in his productions. "There has to be one person who has to balance that and make it a unified, balanced production," he said. "The Nerd" will premiere tonight at 8 and will run for six weeks at the Canyon Theatre Guild, 13660 Sierra Highway. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for seniors and full-time students younger than 18. To make reservations, call 298-0058. CAPTION(S): PHOTO Photo (color) Starring in "The Nerd" for the Canyon Theatre Guild are, from left, Donovan McKechnie, George Cummings and Jan Marie Hayes. |
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