And Rick Steadman -- a bumbling oaf with no social sense, little intelligence and even less tact -- will surely live up to that expectation.

He's the star of the Milton Players Theatre Group's upcoming performance, aptly named 'The Nerd,' which opens next Friday.

The show will see Brian Cranford return to the director's chair for the second time. The Players' veteran is promising those who come out to the play that they'll definitely have a good laugh.

"When I read it, I thought it was a hilarious play that would be fun to do," he said. "It's one of the funniest physical comedies I've seen in a long time."

The performance will take playgoers back to the early '90s in a small town in Indiana. Willum Cubbert, played by Dan Patch, is an ex-GI whose life was saved during the Vietnam War by Steadman, the 'nerd' who's played by returning Players favourite Gino Raimondo.

Cubbert has never actually met his hero, but always told friends that he owes Steadman his life.

So needless to say he's delighted when, two decades after the war, he receives a visit from Steadman. But it doesn't take long for that happiness to fade as Steadman's true colours show through.

"He's a socially inept nerd who just brings chaos to whatever he does," explained Raimondo. "You'll love him and hate him by the end."

The star of the show ends up overstaying his welcome, and hilarity ensues as Cubbert and his friends try to get rid of the unwanted houseguest.

The play, an American comedy written by Larry Shue, is a bit of a departure from the Players' traditional fare of British farces.

"This is a very props-driven show," explained Cranford. "There's a lot of visual aspects in this play."

The cast consists of Patch, Mimma DeCarli, Andrew Saunders, Doug Goodhue, Joan Patch, Liam Mottram and Raimondo. The stage manager is Cranford's mother, Susan, and the producer is Trina Orrell.

A few of the cast members are making their debut with the Players this time around, with one individual -- eight-year-old Mottram -- taking on a principle role for the first time in his life.

Raimondo joined the Players in 1996, but has been away from the stage for the past three years for personal reasons.

"I'm happy to bring Gino back," noted Cranford. "The Milton audiences just loved him."

For Raimondo, the play is more than just a comedy.

"It has laughs, but it also has a real heart-felt story behind it," he said. "It's important for me, as someone who's had to get through some things over the past few years, to do a play that has substance."

He noted there's also a twist ending, which made the play all the more appealing to him.

Cranford said the Players have been short-staffed lately and low on funds, making it important to "get butts in seats" for the upcoming show.

"We're looking for community support," he said.

The group will perform at the Milton Seniors' Activity Centre, 500 Childs Dr., May 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10.

The shows on Saturday, May 3 and Saturday, May 10 are dinner theatre events, with playgoers able to enjoy a meal before curtain call. The bar will open at 6:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 7 p.m. and the show will start at 8:15 p.m.

Advance tickets for the dinner theatre cost $40 each, while at the door they cost $45.

Show-only performances will be held Friday, May 2, Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and the show will start at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20 per person. Tickets are now available for purchase on-line at www.miltonplayers.com. They can also be obtained by calling (905) 875-0629 or visiting Boutique 188 at 188 Main St. E.

Melanie Hennessey can be reached at MHennessey@miltoncanadianchampion.com.