After a delay in staging from the 2023-2024 season, Know Theatre of Cincinnati is bringing us the much-anticipated BLERDS by J. Corey Buckner this April. The story follows three middle schoolers who decide to go on a quest to meet the coolest Jedi in the galaxy (aka Samuel L. Jackson) circa 2002 suburban D.C. Prepare yourself for laughter, song, and adventure.
Production Team
Pacing suffers a bit due to the style of writing. However, when telling a story rife with nerdy pop culture references with a healthy dose of comic book lore, it is understandable to have shorter, choppier scenes. However, Director Derek Snow’s use of the space is excellent and the movement is constant when scenes are “live.” Scenic Designer Jide Fresh and Sound & Projections Designer Douglas J. Borntrager’s set is a nerd’s imagination come to life. Smartly choosing to keep the set pieces minimal, the projections easily work with the show being placed in so many different locations from a suburban home to the streets of D.C.
Performing Artists
While the trio of middle-schoolers (Dominique Owen, Kenny Rayborn, and Malik Smith) are at its core, BLERDS, the show is not lacking in rich acting material for black nerds of all ages. Meredith Frankie Crutcher who plays Tonya, mother to two of our protagonists, is an absolute force from start to finish. No spoilers here, but her costumes (shout-out to Costume Designer Noelle Wedig-Johnston) help embody the bad-ass woman Tonya really is. (The second one has a special place in my heart. IYKYK.) Ms. Crutcher’s performance is solid and relatable with an emotional depth that resonates with audience members.
Playing the mysterious character simply known as The Stranger is Phillip Latham. Mr. Latham is a wonderful artist whose physicality complements his character execution beautifully. There is no such thing as a poker face for him. Everything his characters feel is right across his face and reflects in his body language. We need to see more of Mr. Latham on Cincinnati stages.
The Sweet and Lowdown
While I do think the script is still a bit rough and could use more workshopping, it is clearly a love letter to nerds – black or not – celebrating all the things they’ve been told are “weird” or “geeky”. The story hits on so many seemingly different references: comic books, science fiction, D&D (Dungeons & Dragons for those who need clarification).
In addition, there is a very grounding part of the story which reminds us of the not-always-beautiful world in which we live. However, there is always hope in the heart of darkness and you will leave the theatre with a smile on your face, even if you aren’t technically a blerd.
Tickets to Blerds
BLERDS presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati runs now through April 19th. Purchase tickets here.
Monday April 14 is Industry Night — a special Monday presentation of Blerds at 7:30 pm. From 6:30 to 7:30, the League of Cincinnati Theatres’ leadership will provide free snacks. You can hear more about LCT plans and mingle with your theatre friends.
