The Fountain Hills Theater opened April 4-20 with “The Man Who Came to Dinner” by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart.

The “man” Sheridan Whiteside is based on theater critic Alexander Woollcott. This play was produced by Patricia Tonzi, directed by Wanda McHatton and features a fabulous cast. They run in and out in complete chaos and you have to pay attention to sort it all out. It is Christmas time and the set is outstanding. I must mention someone new to us – Virginia Olivieri. Sure hope she comes back.

Sheridan Whiteside in 1939 ruled the radio waves with his wit and connections. His private life is a bit different. He is out on a national tour and reluctantly accepts a dinner invitation in some small town in Ohio at the home of the rich Stanleys. Like a Greek tragedy, the audience never sees what happens, but as it opens he has apparently fallen on some ice in the doorway of their home and has now been “in residence” for two weeks.

When he appears in a wheelchair he proclaims that he is going to sue them and it sort of goes downhill (in a good way) from there. He has completely taken over their home, their staff, their phone and them. The family is exiled to the upstairs and Whiteside is in charge.

As the wise Benjamin Franklin once said, “Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.” Sheridan Whiteside did not get the memo. Charles Sohn plays Whiteside brilliantly, just as he played Captain Ahab in “Moby Dick” in 2007. Well, he’s back and simply great.

It is a bit long, but don’t give up. It is well-worth the effort. The ending is not predictable and I think will give you more laughs for your trip home.

Call for tickets at (480)837-9661 or on-line www.fhtaz.org. Enjoy! See you at the theater.