Set in an Arizona diner in 1955, "It Happened on Route 66" offers audiences a serving of nostalgia with a side of humor.

"This show will have you giggling from start to finish," said Ginger Wayde, who is directing the play with the Elizabethtown Homeschool Drama Program, part of the Life Enrichment Center (LEC) homeschool co-op in Mount Joy. "I particularly like staging comedies, because we all need to laugh more."

The play will be performed at Hope Community Church, 1806 Harrisburg Ave., Mount Joy, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, and at 1 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18.

As Wayde explained, the plot revolves around Cookie's Diner, a sleepy little place where not much happens, until a runaway bride shows up one day because her Ferrari broke down nearby. "The bride is none other than Lovey Lamour, the most glamorous actress in Hollywood," Wayde shared. "Through her interactions with starstruck fan waitress Sally, Lovey learns a little more about life in a tiny town and what's important, and Sally learns where it is that home truly exists."

Wayde noted that the play involves students in grades seven through 10 in both cast and crew. "The costumes are fun, the decor is classic and the characters are relatable and funny," she shared. "It's reminiscent of 'Happy Days.'"

She emphasized that the performers focused especially on making the diner seem like a realistic place, with cooking, cleaning, serving and more going on at all times. "And they need to eat in front of people who are watching them, hopefully without making a mess, but that's real life, too," she said.

LEC is a homeschool community that provides resources, education and support for students and parents. "Not only does it give kids a chance to gather with others in a group learning environment, but it also gives moms a much-needed opportunity to connect with other moms to find support and encouragement on their homeschool journeys," Wayde remarked. "It's a great place to forge lifetime friendships for kids and moms."

Wayde, who has been directing shows at LEC for more than a decade, said the performances are offered free of charge to encourage families to attend without breaking the bank. "My desire is always to provide family-friendly, affordable theater to the community," she noted. "We do sell concessions and cast shout-outs where you can honor cast members with treats and messages."

For more information on LEC, visit http://www.homeschool-life.com/PA/lec.