BEMIDJI — There is power in theater.
Audiences can be swept away with many different emotions, like joy and sadness. What Misery directors Sasha Almendinger and Derrick Houle hope their audiences feel is suspense with maybe an uncomfortable laugh every now and again.
Based on Stephen King's novel, Misery follows a famous author rescued from a car crash by a fan of his work named Annie. Unfortunately, he slowly realizes his care is more like a nightmare than a miracle. Performances are Feb. 7-9 and 14-16 at the Bemidji Community Theater with a three-person cast.

On KAXE's Area Voices, Houle said he’s been on a thriller run lately following last year’s production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest the year before. Misery feels relevant today as superfans have more access to their idols than ever with social media. Fans feel emboldened to claim ownership over their favorite works, and Misery plays with the idea of what a nightmare that can be for creators.
Houle is playing the role of the author Paul Sheldon while directing the show with Almendinger. It was his idea to have her co-direct. It’s her first time directing a show since college.
“He was also kind enough to say, 'I'll be there to help guide you along the way,'" Almendinger said, "which is a great aspect of Bemidji Community Theater, where it is also a learning environment that gives people opportunities to delve into different aspects of everything that is theater.”
They started discussing the show last summer, but a lot of creative decisions are made organically and on the fly during rehearsals.
Houle said, “She's done a fantastic job. I've hardly had to say or do anything.”
Houle said he's also glad to have Almendinger directing because it can be difficult to direct while you’re on stage.
“Knowing that she's directing and has the eyes, ... I enjoy the process a lot better,” he said.
Many people know the storyline of Misery from the famous book and film adaptation starring Kathy Bates with her Academy Award-winning performance. When asked about adapting something people may already have preconceived notions about, both directors said they’re excited about the challenges.
Houle is excited to bring certain scenes to life on stage with the help of creative "special effects." Almendinger emphasized that having local actors adds a unique dynamic and fresh perspective, making the production truly their own.
Almendinger said her favorite part of the production process is seeing it through a director’s lens, noticing details she may have overlooked as an actor. She enjoys seeing the actors bring characters to life during rehearsals and thinks the experience will improve her skills when she decides to return to the stage.
“I feel like being able to do any aspect when it comes to theater, including lighting, making the set, stage managing, and all of those things ... to have a viewpoint on all those is what really makes a well-rounded theater person.”
Both directors said they hope that not only will audiences be entertained by Misery, but they will also have a little scare along the way. They also don’t think it’s a bad Valentine’s Day date idea.
“It's like you bring your date to watch the show and know what not to do," Almendinger said.
Tickets for Misery are available at Ken K. Thompson, myBemidji, McKenzie Place and on the BCT website.
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.