Misery
By William Goldman (based on the novel by Stephen King)
Directed by: Keegan Arnold
Produced by Lakeside Community Theater
Reviewed by: Sara Jones
Many people have a favorite author – someone whose books you can’t wait to get your hands on; someone you’d love to be able to meet in person one day! What if you found your favorite author crashed on the side of the road in a snowstorm? Would you pry open their car door and drag their broken body away? If you were their number one fan, you would.
Misery at Lakeside Community Theater sets the audience’s imaginations on fire as they walk into the theater. Director Keegan Arnold is also the set and lighting designer for this production. Stepping into the theater, you are coming into Annie Wilkes’ house. Much of the stage is framed out with half walls, a windowless window frame in one corner, a half door utilized to prevent sight line issues on the opposite wall. In one corner of the audience, there is a small kitchen, a table and chairs, and a kitchen light that never goes off. Past the audience that’s near the kitchen, there is a front door. The framing of the entire house is covered in pages of Stephen King novels. On a table sits a framed picture of Annie’s favorite author.
The show opens with a curtain speech in the style of a radio show that ends with the sound of a loud car crash. In the creepy opening light of the first scene, we find Paul Sheldon (portrayed by David J. Wallis) in bed, covered in blankets, eyes shut. Annie (Kiani Stone) stands by with her patented creepy smile as she says, “I’m your number one fan. I’m your number one fan!”
In the first scene, we find out that Annie saved Paul and brought him home to help him recover until the storm passes. She informs him that he has two broken legs, a shoulder that was out of socket, and that he’s been unconscious for 4 days. We get our first sense of how mentally unstable Annie might be when she tells Paul that she was happy to hear him screaming. “Dying men rarely scream.”
Throughout the performance, Paul looks for ways to escape. Having two broken legs and a lock on the door doesn’t make things easy. Even a couple of visits from the friendly Sheriff Buster (Shane Alexander Morgan) don’t do much to help Paul to freedom. Miss Annie is almost always one step ahead of him.
This performance of Misery is absolutely captivating. Kiani Stone is terrifying as Annie Wilkes. She has perfected an intense stare and intimidating smile that will haunt your dreams. David J. Wallis brings the audience along for every painful moment, every frustration, every moment of hope and defeat.
There are only four more chances to catch this run! March 3, 4, and 10 at 8pm, March 11 at 3pm.
Support local theater!
Sara Jones
Audience Rating: R, for language and violence
Accessible Seating: Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Sound effects and music can be loud in some parts
Noises or Visuals to Prepare For: thunderstorm (sounds and flashing lights), gunshot, screams
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