HCT welcomes regional premiere Nutty Professor musical

Comedian Jerry Lewis wrote, directed and starred in the 1963 film “The Nutty

Professor.” Eddie Murphy starred in an updated version of the film 30 years later. But it

was never staged as a musical until 2012, when Lewis, then 86, premiered it in

Nashville with an updated book by Rupert Holmes and music by Academy Award-

winning composer Marvin Hamlisch.

Hale Centre Theatre is hosting the regional premiere of “The Nutty Professor, the

Musical,” through August 17. It’s the story of nerdy college professor Julius Kelp, who,

frustrated by his own lack of social skills, creates a serum that transforms him into a

handsome alter ego named Buddy Love. Ironically, it’s Julius who is lovable and not

Buddy.

The Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday cast (it is double-casted, as are most HCT

productions), stars Darick Pead as Kelp, a bumbling but well-meaning scientist who is

on his last legs as a professor seeking tenure, having raised the wrath of dean Dr.

Warfield (BJ Whimpey). His lab is a mess and his experiments have gone astray.

But things begin to change when he meets Stella Purdy (Bre Welch), a recently arrived

professor hoping to start her career at the school. She befriends Kelp who she sees is

sensitive and caring, though socially awkward. And along the way, we meet Miss

Lemon (Ali Bennett), Warfield’s assistant who is hopelessly in love with him, and a

series of jocks and cheerleaders–all who are great dancers in another well-

choreographed production at Hale.

Pead is excellent in his role–effortlessly switching between nerdy Kelp and heartthrob

Love. His transformation in mid-scene, as the story progresses, is impressive. Welch is

also excellent as Purdy, showing empathy for Kelp along with a progressive passion for

overcoming the school’s gender stereotypes and misogyny. And she can sing!

The supporting cast includes Trevor B. Dean as millionaire Harrington Winslow (whose

generous contributions help keep the college afloat), and Gabrielle Jane as the leader

of the cheerleading squad who falls hard for Buddy Love, but quickly recovers when his

alter ego secret is revealed.

And I have to mention one other cast member–Phil Lewis. He dazzled the audience with

his superior baton-twirling scenes, showcasing why he has finished in the top 10 at the

national championships.

Kudos to producer Sally Dietlein, director Dave Tinney, choreographer Afton Wilson and

musical director Kelly DeHaan. And the sets and graphics used around the theater were

first-class and added greatly to the musical which is much more enjoyable than either

movie.

Hale Centre Theatre is located at 9900 South Monroe Street in Sandy. Some shows

are already sold out but limited tickets are still available for the show’s run through mid-

August.