ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – The beloved indie classic “Napoleon Dynamite” is one of the most quoted movies of our time.

Now over 20 years later, a live show based on the film is coming to the Berglund Center.

We first met the quirky but lovable characters in the film “Napoleon Dynamite” in 2004.

“We didn’t know, at least I, myself, didn’t know anybody was actually even going to see the film, you know, because it was an independent film,” says Jon Heder, who plays the title character, Napoleon Dynamite.

It’s a film that found its audience, and became a pop culture sensation.

We asked Heder how much of the high school version of himself is in Napoleon.

“I don’t know if I would have had the guts to get up in front of an audience and just dance. I’ve done it before and I know that was part of the inspiration for the film,” says Heder.

Set in modern day Preston, Idaho, the film appears to fluctuate between time periods, while capturing the nostalgia of small-town America.

“This film has the appearance of being just a simple story. But there are just elements of this film that particularly with humor, that you pick up with more watches,” says Jon Gries, who plays Uncle Rico in the film.

That “simple story” is a tapestry of memorable scenes, including Napoleon’s Uncle Rico, who’s obsessed with re-claiming his former football glory.

Gries says many of us can relate to that “what if” sentiment.

“Whatever it is, there’s a universal truth to to the person who just felt… that got so close to something, but it got away,” says Gries.

Another major plot– Napoleon’s friendship with a new kid, Pedro. Together they launch an underdog campaign for class president, spawning the often-quoted phrase, “Vote for Pedro”.

“Like I always tell everyone, Pedro lives with hope. For me, as an actor, just as a human being, every single day you hope that something great happens in your life,” says Efren Ramirez, who plays Pedro.

The frequently-quoted movie features some favorite lines for the actors, too.

“I like it when Napoleon says– he’s talking about the time machine. He says “hold on, I forgot to put in the crystals,” says Heder.

You can hear more of those classic lines at “Napoleon Dynamite LIVE! 20th Anniversary Celebration,” coming to the Berglund Center May 24.

“It’s a blend of Q-and-A meets scene. We do scene re-creations. We give out prizes. We do little games. We do audience inter action events,” says Heder.

“And so for us, even throughout the years, throughout the decades, having to recognize how big this film has become for us, we’re just grateful, very happy about the whole thing,” says Ramirez.

And if you’re on the fence about attending the show, here’s one final plea from “Pedro.”

“If you come to the show, all your wildest dreams will come true,” says Ramirez.

For tickets to the show, click this link.

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