Nerdlandia
Grade 7 Up-This play set in the Los Angeles Barrio is filled with stock characters: Martin, a Chicano nerd who wears glasses, a calculator on his belt, and pants hiked up to his chest; homeboys who sport greased hair and tattoos; and chola girls who have dark lipstick and painted nails. Martin tries to be one of the homies in order to win his idealized love, Ceci. Ironically, Ceci has just ended her relationship with her two-timing boyfriend and now decides that a sweet, intelligent guy like Martin is just what she needs. She, in turn, tries to become more nerdlike to win his affections, which includes shopping at "Nerdstroms." Language is a parody of street slang and Spanish phrases. Billed as a comedy, the dialogue often falls flat. Characters have little motivation for their actions. Short on entertainment, but long on stereotypes.Gail Richmond, San Diego Unified Schools, CACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.