The play, written by William Goldman (who also wrote the screenplay), is a three person show that tells the story of Paul Sheldon (Tom Sonnek), an author of a very well-known and loved romance series about a character named Misery Chastain. He finished a new novel, writing at his favorite writing place in a hotel in Colorado, and is driving his way home when he gets caught in a snowstorm, and his car goes off the road. He is saved by Annie Wilkes (Megan Blakeley) who happens upon his car, drags him out of it, takes him back to her house and gets him set up with an IV, and setting his broken legs (as she is an ex-nurse). We see that she is there to help him recover...yet at the top of the show we also see her standing over him, watching him, and telling him that she is his biggest fan. Considering this originally came from the mind of Stephen King, you know something is now quite right.
If you don't know the book, or the film, or even if you do and you love both book and film - you will probably get much enjoyment and thrills from this staged production. The set is on a turntable so we, the audience, is not stuck in the bedroom with Paul the whole two hours (though I have seen information stating that it can be a 90 min show, no intermission). I thought the set was really great, and it was fun watching Sonnek navigate his way in a wheelchair from room to room, but looking like he isn't moving at all as the turntable moved. It was a great way to use space, though I believe a turntable is not necessary for all productions. The performances were very good. Sonnek does his best in showing the pain he is in, and his struggle to maintain sanity. Blakely certainly is in charge of the situation, and shows her power and strength, but also gives a soft side where the audience may start to feel empathy towards her.
I feel the need to state that there is physical violence on stage during this production. This is part of my personal struggle with this show - not this production, but the show itself. In talking to my friend, she brought up the question of "does this need to be on stage." With a great book already written, and a fantastic film version...what drove the writers to adapt this for the stage? Interestingly, it was originally adapted in the UK by Simon Moore and played three different productions with his script, along with a revival. In 2012, the show had its US premiere, and I believe this is when the William Goldman script came into play. This added a third character, the local sheriff. I also think that this is where the power of the script started to dissipate. Yes, it added more complexity to the situation by bringing in a third character (law officer, no less) in the second half of the show. However while this may have added some suspense and tension, but it created more stage work for the actors and I'm not sure how much it really added to the show.
That being written, this production at Lakeshore is a good solid production. The production values (set, costumes, make-up, lighting, sound) are all there and working together to create a tense environment, and to help guide the audience and actors through the story. Blakely is perfectly unnerving as Annie Wilkes. While she has a moment or two of being over-the-top, she contains that so well that it creates great tension. Sonnek has such a difficult job being near immobile for the majority of the show. He pulls it off so well, that even in moments that are difficult to watch him struggle, it is a joy to see him perform. Tim Wollman plays Buster, the officer of the law who shows up in Act Two. While it is a small part, there was heart there in his performance. From the reactions around us, this show still brings chills, thrills, and suspense. If that is your thing (especially after a super joyous holiday season), this this production of Misery at Lakeshore Players is right up your alley. Take a chance.
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