Students of Cañon City High School met on Friday to continue their rehearsals for the upcoming annual fall production, "Daddy's Girl" by Gary Ray Stapp.

Written in 2004, the play follows the journey of cranky diner-owner Bernard Muloovy as he navigates the complications of life. Beautifully comedic, his deceased wife turns to a talking portrait — who regularly teases him through her painted prison, and an angel shows up to guide him to the daughter he relinquished to adoption 25 years prior. The only problem is her name is Elizabeth, and there are two 25-year-old Elizabeth's in Bernard's diner.

"I chose this production because I usually try to find shows that fit what my cast looks like — who might audition," said director Andrew Fisher. "I started reading it, and there's pretty much a one-liner on every page. They just kept coming and I was like 'This is actually pretty funny, I'm laughing at this one.' The more I read, it also has a nice sentimental side to it, too, and that drew me in even more."

About 30 students are anticipated to partake in the play whether as actors or stage crew members. It proved to be a relief for students that the production was green-lighted and able to proceed. Back in 2020, the fall production was canceled because of COVID-19, which resulted in hesitation by students this year.

"That's one of the things with COVID right now, you have kids who are like 'nope, not doing it,' or you have the kids who are like, 'I'm doing everything,'" Fisher said. "It's been kind of unique to see this total polar opposite thing."

The play has proven to be somewhat challenging because the two lead actors, Ryan Surber, who plays Bernard Muloovy, and Atalia Fisher, who plays waitress Betsy, participate full time in other extra-curricular activities. From speech and debate to choirs to band practice, the two have had their hands full. However, Fisher has not allowed anything to dampen the vivacity he has for the upcoming show.

"With the marching band and being a parent, it's been hard to actually get in and find time to get the kids in to build the sets," Fisher said. "Normally, we have set days on the weekends where we can bring in kids and have pizza. But this year, I've been gone on the weekends because I've been chasing my kid around a band booster. It's added a new challenge."

Despite the challenges that the production has faced in a post-COVID19 world, the devotion to theater and art perseveres in the form of excited, chattering students and a dedicated director.

The play will have its matinee performance at 4:30 p.m. Thursday and follow-up performances at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Lou Del Pizzo Auditorium at Canon City High School, located 1313 College Ave.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children. To purchase tickets online, visit vancoevents.com/vdt. Once purchased, the tickets will become available by email, which can be scanned at the auditorium doors. Tickets will also be available at the front desk of the high school both before and during production nights.