Despite an Earlier Delay, Misery Will Open This Week

Given that many of us are hoping to escape winter's grip, a trip to the theater might just be the ticket. A performance of Misery will open this Thursday, February 16 at the Montana Actors' Theatre (MAT) located on the campus of MSU-Northern. The plot of this Stephen King horror story adapted for the stage by William Goldman aligns with similar hopes for escape. Originally set to open on February 2, the play had to be postponed due to an outbreak of COVID in the cast and crew.

Produced by Independence Bank and directed by Chinook resident Anjanett Hawk, Misery will feature Andi Daniel as Annie Wilkes, Jay Pyette as Paul Sheldon, and Bill Dolph as Sheriff Buster. The show revolves around the life of successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who has decided to make the difficult transition from writing historical romances featuring heroine Misery Chastain to publishing literary fiction. When the author incurs a near-fatal car accident on wintry roads, he is rescued by Annie Wilkes, a former nurse and his "number one fan."

While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain! Annie, who has access to controlled substances and other instruments of abuse-including an axe and a blowtorch- keeps Paul prisoner while forcing him to write a book that brings Misery back to life. Wheelchair-bound, drug-dependent, and locked in his room, Paul doesn't have much choice. He's a writer in serious trouble, who quickly realizes that he is writing for his life. However, writers have weapons too.

During rehearsals for the performane, an outbreak of COVID-19 and the enduring effects of the virus wreaked havoc for the Misery cast and crew. On January 27, Artistic Director for MAT, Grant Olson made the call to delay the show's opening. "Because of the lingering effects of the disease, a slight delay has become significantly more substantial," Olson stated at the time.

He went on to say: "MAT strives to produce the highest level of performance possible, and after discussions with MAT staff as well as the director, cast, and crew, we knew that rushing an opening with an unwell cast would lead to a performance quality which we could not stand by. This was an extremely difficult decision to make, and a decision not taken lightly."

Owing to previous commitments within the cast and crew, MAT made the choice to reschedule the production of Misery to 8:00 p.m. on February 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25. The producer and sponsor gala will take place on Saturday, February 18, and the February 19 performance will be a 2:00 p.m. matinée.

When asked about the most challenging aspect of her work with the show, Director, Anjanett Hawk replied: "Working with an outbreak of COVID has been a challenge. We stopped all rehearsals, set construction work, and all meetings because our number one priority is the health and well-being of our fellow thespians, our family members of MAT, and the community. It has been three years, and the virus is still out there! Moving a show is quite a big deal, but we had no choice. Thanks to everyone for having that level of patience and commitment."

Hawk, who holds degrees in Theater and Dance from the University of South Maine, has directed in both Seattle and Kirkland, Washington; Brunswick, Wyndham, and Portland, Maine; as well as Livingston, Bozeman, Missoula, Billings, and Havre, Montana. In addition to her work with theater, Hawk is a professional photographer, a custom combiner, and a member of a fencing crew.

"It has been a pleasure and great fun working with the cast, crew, and production team on Misery. I'm so proud of everyone. This show rocks! Let me tell you; you don't want to miss it," added Hawk.

Tickets for Misery are available online at mtactors.com or can be purchased locally from Havre Chamber of Commerce, The Computer Center, & Company Apparel, and Bear Paw Meats.