University Players is ending its season with the laugh-out-loud comedy, The Nerd by Larry Shue, April 10 to 19 in the Essex Hall Theatre.

Director Brian Taylor is finding it a joy to work on this production.

“I’ve performed in The Nerd and I’ve directed it on the professional stage,” he says. “I know it well and University Players’ audiences are going to love it simply because it’s funny—it’s really, really funny.”

The play is set in the small town of Terre Haute, Indiana, where aspiring architect Willum Cubbert is nestled snugly into his normal life. That is, until the day of his 34th birthday, when he receives a visit from a man he has never met, but who once saved his life in Vietnam.

From the moment the socially inept, nerdy visitor appears, everything falls apart, nearly destroying Cubbert’s relationships and career. With lovable characters and hilarious twists at every turn, this side-splitting comedy is truly the stuff of slapstick gold.

Wednesday through Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. On Sunday, April 12, a “Talk Back” discussion with the director and actors will follow the performance. Tickets are available online at www.UniversityPlayers.com or by calling 519-253-3000, ext. 2808.