COVID-19 delays MAT's 'Misery'

Montana Actors’ Theatre’s three-actor production of “Misery,” an adaptation of the Stephen King story of the same name, has been delayed due to two-thirds of its cast coming down with COVID-19.

MAT Artistic Director Grant Olson said next week was supposed to be their opening week, but they’ve had to push it back, cutting the production’s run to two weeks, though they’ve added another matinee to try to make up for it.

Olson said a number of the technical staff for the production have also gotten sick, which is especially problematic given the play’s need for highly-detailed sets that cover the layout of an entire house.

He said this is the third production that has been delayed by the pandemic, and that’s been tough for him and his peers to deal with, but they want to make sure everyone is safe and healthy.

“We hate delaying a production. We all pride ourselves on opening a production on time, so COVID has been difficult,” he said. “... But if delaying helps make a better production and keep our staff safe we’re going to make that choice.”

For now, the schedule for “Misery” will be opening night Thursday, Feb. 2, a regular performance Friday, Feb. 3 and a Red Carpet Gala Performance Saturday, Feb. 4 with a matinee Sunday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m.

The show will run again each night Feb. 9-11 at 8 p.m.

Olson said illness has also forced them to push back their 24-Hour Playfest.

He said he’s not sure when the Playfest will be held, but for now everything else is on schedule.