If “Misery” does, indeed, love company, Vandergrift’s Ron Ferrara is asking for yours at Apple Hill Playhouse, Delmont. The theater veteran, who also happens to be in his second term as a member of the Kiski Area School Board, is directing a play perfectly timed for the spirit of Halloween. Even better, the fright in this Stephen King work is meant to convey reality. King’s “Misery” is a compelling combination of drama, psychological thriller and black comedy, says Ferrara. “We’re attempting to portray what is both real and surreal for the main characters,” he explains. It is considered a tour-de-force for the cast of only two actors. In “Misery,” novelist Paul Sheldon (portrayed by Rick Dutrow of Greensburg) ends up a prisoner in a filthy, dilapidated farmhouse after a car crash crushes both of his legs. Annie Wilkes, his No. 1, schizophrenic fan (played by Greensburg’s Beverly Price) insists that she will nurse him back to health. Instead, Sheldon ends up trapped in a humiliating circle of cruelty. The chemistry between the actors is what makes this a great play, Ferrara says.”I enjoy working with a two person cast, particularly when both actors are as talented and conscientious as these two.” He considers the work a collaborative effort among himself and the actors. This is Ferrara’s 15th major production as a director. This season, he will direct the comedy “Dearly Departed” (May 12-15) for New Kensington Civic Theatre, where he has been a member 22 years. When he next takes a local stage as an actor, it will be for the 31st time. He has directed six productions and acted in three shows at Apple Hill, where he is on the board of directors. “He shows strong commitment to every project he undertakes, and it shows up in his attention to detail,” says Ellen Lettrich, assistant producer. “He also has a great enthusiasm for his work and the theater and absolutely loves the rehearsal process.” Apple Hill has come to count on Ferrara to be part of every season, says business manager Michelle Walters. “Ron brings a connection to the Alle-Kiski Valley theater community to enable us to draw upon their actor pool, as well as their audiences,” Walters says. “His experience as a teacher and coach enables him to work easily with many different personalities and to bring out the best in everyone.” Ferrara says he loves working at Apple Hill. “The intimate confines of Apple Hill allow audiences to feel connected and to interact emotionally with the actors,” he says. Emotion reigns in “Misery.” “The intensity of this play requires the highest level of energy and effort,” Ferrara says. He sees his job as ensuring the honest interpretation of the playwright’s words. He always has enjoyed reading Stephen King’s novels, and then watching the ensuing screenplay interpretation. “I particularly appreciate King’s ability to make the surreal real,” he says. “I believe King’s followers want to experience their fears without leaving their personal comfort zones.” When preparing to direct a play, Ferrara breaks down each act into short scenes that allow them to develop into his interpretation of the playwright’s vision. “If a play has been produced on film (as “Misery” has), I have no problems watching the film, but I’ve never felt obligated to transfer a film version into a live play,” he says. He has seen “Misery” several times and enjoyed the performances of the two main characters. “Of course, there will be many in the audience who will have certain expectations if they have seen the movie. There will be those who have not. It’s my job to entertain both groups with this live version,” he says. Simon Moore has adapted King’s novel for the stage, allowing the dialogue to basically follow the screenplay. Having coached various sports for more than 30 years, Ferrara, who taught French at Apollo-Ridge High School for 31 years, says he finds directing to be similar: preparation, practice and performance. “At this stage in my life, I prefer directing, but, every other year or so, I get the urge to be on stage,” he says. He believes his strengths as a director are experience, planning and patience. “I become all things to all people. You must assume qualities of leadership, imagination, creativity, organization and be able to communicate clearly.” He brings more than 20 years of experience as a director and the perspective of an actor to every performance. He approaches every play with anticipation and enthusiasm. “We become a team — director, actors, stage manager, producer, technical director, publicity director, costumer – with the goal of making the written words of the playwright come to life on a stage. If we do it right, our audience will leave the theater deeply moved and thoroughly entertained.” Additional Information:

If you go

What: ‘Misery.’ When: Thursdays through Sundays, through Oct. 23; 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Where: Apple Hill Playhouse, along Route 66, Delmont. Cost: $11 Thursdays and matinees; $12 Fridays and Saturdays; discounts offered for senior citizens, students, children and groups. Details: 724-468-5050 or www.applehillplayhouse.org

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