BWW Reviews: Philadelphia Theatre Company's NERDS

Long before Windows, IPhones, Xboxes and IPods, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were simply nerds working to create technology that would take the world to the next level. NERDS follows these rivals on their personal and professional journeys from 1970s garage inventors to Silicon Valley mega-billionaires. Through laugh-out-loud humor and clever musical numbers, NERDS tells a fantastical but relevant story about characters who have had a major impact on our lives, all while brilliantly making fun of it all.

Originally mounted by the Philadelphia Theatre Company in 2007, NERDS was reworked to make the script more current prior to this production. With spot-on vocals, Stanley Bahorek's great portrayal of Bill Gates leads NERDS' excellent ensemble cast. Matt Bradley is good as Steve Jobs but his singing leaves a little to be desired. The real stars of the production, however, were Briana Carlson-Goodman as Sally, whose amazingly powerful vocals occasionally stole the show, and Benny Elledge, with his affable, aloof and witty characterization of Woz, not to mention his lovely singing.

The other star of the show is the excellent set design. With multiple screens, connected by an elaborate and well-used system of wires, grids and tube lighting, the set and projections were a perfect accompaniment to the production.

The Philadelphia Theatre Company's production of NERDS is a fun and entertaining production that's not-to-be-missed. Catch a performance this holiday season with shows running through December 29, 2013. For tickets and more information, visit www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.

Photo courtesy Philadelphia Theatre Company.