Revenge of the nerds -- well, sort of. This weekend No Refund Theatre will entertain audiences with the help of "the nerd."

Written by Larry Shue, The Nerd is set in Terre Haute, Ind., in late 1979 and presents the story of Willum Cubbert, an unassuming young architect, friends Tansy and Axel and unexpected houseguest Rick.

Rick saved Willum's life in Vietnam and although Willum doesn't remember being saved, the two exchange letters over the years, though they never meet each other.

When Rick unexpectedly shows up at Willum's house his awkward manners and inappropriate behavior throw Willum's life into shambles.

Eventually Willum decides to take a chance on a plan Axel comes up with to get rid of Rick.

"This hero turns out to be the biggest nerd who ruins everything, but Willum can't kick him out because he owes him his life," Jeff Kornberg (senior-English), director of the show, said.

Matt Davidson (senior-media studies and political science), who plays Willum's friend Axel, said the show has a very broad range of styles of humor.

"There are puns, sarcasm, references, goofy moments. So there's something for everyone. I think it's the most family friendly show [NRT] has done in a while," Davidson said.

He said he has enjoyed playing his character because Axel has no bounds and is a lot like himself.

"It's fun [playing Axel] because I don't have much exposition. I just tell jokes. I haven't found it hard to get into character because this is the closest role to myself that I've ever played," Davidson said. "It's not fair that the others have to work on their characters."

Kornberg said the characters in the show are very well developed and the actors have had to do a bit of research.

"Larry Shue obviously spent a great deal of time crafting [the characters]. It's been a pleasure watching the actors constantly finding new things about their characters and incorporating them into their actions," Kornberg said. "The show really is a classic comic situation, but what sets it apart from other shows is the deeply developed characters."

He said directing this show has been an interesting challenge because it is unlike any show he's ever directed.

"Before this, the only shows I've directed have been ridiculous, silly ones that included scenes that could never happen in real life," he said. "While The Nerd does have ridiculous, silly moments, everything in it is something that could actually happen in our world, so I've had to get used to having all of the characters act and react in ways that regular people normally do."

Ross Orchard (sophomore-electrical engineering) said this is his first production with NRT and he has enjoyed it. He plays the nerd, Rick.

"[NRT] is a pretty skilled group to work with, not like high school theater," he said. "I like having a peer director because it's less intimidating. There is a comfortable, effective work environment."

Orchard said there is enough humor in the show that if you miss one joke, you won't feel bad.

"It's an excellent show to watch more than once because there's so much humor. The tempo is upbeat; it comes at you but it's not trying to blast you into oblivion," he said.

Orchard said the performance is a nonsense show, not a drama.

"If there's a message it's that sometimes the better things in life are worth pursuing even if you give up the bad things that you're good at," he said. "But it's a show that you can just come to and enjoy. Plus it's free. What's the worst that can happen?"