The Dewdney Players' latest production premieres today (Feb. 23) after a few setbacks.

Cereal Offenders, written and directed by Mark Huolt, centers around a group of mascots in a group therapy session.

The play was set to premiere in late January before COVID got in the way and made multiple cast members unavailable.

Huolt says the initial delay stretched further than expected.

"Based on the AHS guidelines and restrictions, we felt it was in everyone's best interest to postpone that first week, let everyone go through their isolation protocols as they were recommended to do, and by the time we made it to that second week and the smoke cleared, we really weren't free of some of those restrictions we were facing."

Luckily, they were able to work with the venue (the Rotary Performing Arts Centre) to find some new dates, ultimately landing just under a month after the initial premiere.

A lot has changed since then, namely some major changes to provincial COVID measures.

Huolt thinks that might actually work in the show's benefit, especially considering the possible lifting of the mask mandate.

"I think it might have been a bit of a blessing, despite some of the frustration that initially went along with it, largely because, with restrictions easing, I think our audiences are going to be a little more comfortable coming out, particularly with our second week there might be even more restrictions lifted."

There's one specific recently-eased restriction Huolt is sure to be transformative for all spectator activities.

"One thing that is helpful is that the RPAC is now able to sell liquor at intermission. Having a beer or a glass of wine with friends and family when watching a show always makes it a bit better, doesn't it?"

He says the delay has afforded the production some more rehearsal time, though it's mainly just built up the cast's anticipation.

"In truth, it's been difficult trying to keep the energy up because our cast is ready to go, and really, what they need more than anything it not more rehearsals, but a good audience in front of them to enjoy this great show they've put together."

In somewhat of a break from tradition, the show will have a two-week run at the RPAC as opposed to the traditional three.

Friday shows will also feature 'talkbacks,' where the cast remains on stage and field questions directly from the audience, a prospect that will be especially interesting for Huolt as the show's writer/director.

More information on showtimes and tickets can be found on the Dewdney Players website.