SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The curtains open Friday night as thespians at South Tahoe High School (STHS) open a two-week run of The Man Who Came to Dinner. Last performed at the school two decades ago, the play is a fast-paced comedy with unforgettable characters and sharp wit.

Directed by Ethan Nivan, the play is about the opinionated and arrogant radio personality Sheridan Whiteside who injures himself slipping on ice and becomes an unexpected houseguest for a prominent area family, the Stanleys. Whiteside proceeds to make brash proclamations and offer his unsolicited advice to the family members. When a romance begins between Whiteside’s assistant, Maggie Cutler (who was played by Bette Davis in the 1941 movie), and a local reporter, Bert Jefferson, he interferes with that as well.

Sheridan Whiteside is played by Alex Budd. This is the second play has Alex performed in, following up on last season’s Little Shop of Horrors. Alex said this play has been an “amazing experience,” and something he never thought he could be a part of since is disabled. “I’ve loved doing theater,” said the senior who is heading to Lake Tahoe Community College in the fall.

“My character is a complex one,” said Alex. “He is a mean person, but also kind and donates to charities.”

Senior Lily Erwin plays Maggie Cutler. This is Lily’s first non-musical, and she too was in Little Shop of Horrors. Lily said she likes the plot line of the play, and how relatable it is. “This could happen in real life,” said Lily. In real life, she plans on heading to USC in the fall to major in cognitive science.

Lily said Director Ethan has been “the best support on building a character. This cast has been wonderful.”

The Man Who Came to Dinner is the sixth play for Emma Zion, a senior, who plays the character Lorraine Sheldon. Emma said she prefers doing the musicals at South Tahoe High as she likes singing.

“Plays are serious,” said Emma.

Her character is confident, and Emma said Lorraine brings that energy to her, and that Lorraine has taught her to be confident. She is most likely headed to San Diego State in the fall, though she’s waiting to hear from other schools as well. Emma said she’ll miss the STSH theater family as she navigates to being an English major before law school.

Other students on stage are Owen Kushlin, Kylea Hunt, Gabriel Diaz, Ethan Swiss Anderson, Gloria Webb, Maci Harden, Leanora Hernandez, Xavier Cuevas, Oliver Randolph, Yave Rames, Xai Hendricks, Seth Thompson, Maya Burkett, Arden Vinson, Emmie Sennings, Rubi Guerreo, Audrey Curry, Fidel Genera, and Eddie Silva.

Niv Niven is the assistant director and costumer, stage managers are Sam Lapp and Kalina Boney, lights by Crosby Harness, and sound by Tyler Sills and Carter Moynihan.

The shows are on Fridays, March 21 and 28 at 7 p.m.; Saturdays, March 22 and 29 at 7 p.m., and Sundays March 23 and 30 at 2 p.m.

Tickets for all shows can be found HERE, and if available, at the door. Cost is $10 for students and adults.