They say you should never meet your heroes, and that might be the case in "The Man Who Came to Dinner." Donegal Performing Arts will present the play at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17 and 18, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19, at the high school, 1025 Koser Road, Mount Joy.

Set in the late 1930s, the play tells the story of Sheridan Whiteside, a beloved radio celebrity, who accepts an invitation from a family during his travel through their small town on his tour. What starts as one dinner turns into a weeks-long stay after Sheridan slips on ice at the home and must recover from his injury in the house.

"As he's there, the family slowly starts to find out he's not exactly the personality he seems to be on the radio," said Landis Cramer, a senior who portrays Sheridan. "He's relatively unpleasant, and he monopolizes the house." Soon, the family members are catering to Sheridan's every whim and enduring his harsh sense of humor.

"My character's sort of signature thing is wildly creative insults he loves to sling to the people in the house," Landis explained. "His sense of humor mostly involves very creative ways of putting other people down."

A subplot to the story involves a budding romance between Sheridan's secretary, Maggie Cutler, and Bert Jefferson, a local newspaper reporter.

"Since Maggie works for Sheridan, he doesn't like that she's interested in Bert," said Elijah Barlett, a freshman who plays Bert. "He spends a lot of time trying to mess up their relationship. The funny thing about my character is, I have absolutely no idea what's going on the entire time."

Zoe Snyder, a senior who portrays Maggie, said the show is funny but also thought-provoking.

"It really shows the emotional bonds of the characters," she stated. "Throughout the play, you can see the conflict they go through. It's going to make you laugh, but it's also relatable. You'll be like, 'Oh yeah, I understand what that person is going through.'"

For Lily Grosh, a sophomore who plays the youngest member of the family, June Stanley, the play provides an opportunity for audiences to also see a sympathetic side to Sheridan.

"June is excited that Mr. Whiteside is in her home because he's a celebrity," she remarked. "She confides in him and is able to build a bond with him. He acknowledges that she feels misunderstood by her parents, so he tries to give her some guidance."

She said audiences should come prepared for an enjoyable evening filled with witty remarks and laughs.

"It's a fun, feel-good show," she shared. "There are a lot of fun twists and turns. It's exciting and a little adventure. If you want something fun for the night, you should come see this show."

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.dpa.donegalsd.org.