CBS called “Fools” “The brightest, freshest, funniest, wittiest, warmest and happiest to-do on Broadway in many a day.”

“Fools” wil bring the same upbeat, positive mood to Fountain Hills Theater when it opens Friday, March 9.

“Fools” is written by Neil Simon. The play unfolds as Leon Tolchinsky arrives in the Ukraine village of Kulyenchikov to educate the town doctor’s daughter, Sophia.

It’s “love at first sight;” however, it turns out that the village is under a curse of chronic stupidity that will last 200 years (Sophia is so stupid that she only recently learned to sit down, while people sweep dust into their home and villagers milk their cows upside down.)

For the sake of love, Leon knows the curse must be broken. What he hasn’t been told is that if he remains in this idyllic hamlet for more than 24 hours, he too will become stupid. Note: The incredible stupidity of the villagers is due to a curse and is not at all mean-spirited. The people are all deep down kind, and good natured.

“Fools” is produced by Anne Kelleher and directed by Michael Paul Wallot. It stars Patrick Russo, Kayla Etheridge, Dan Marburger, Carla Casanova, Doug Waldo, Richard Wells, Henry Male, Maddie Vann, Dj Gaughan and Tom Vinopal.

The play runs through March 25, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $23 for youth 17 and younger. Reservations may be made by calling 480-837-9661, ext. 3.