Be part of a captive audience
‘Misery’ hits the stage in Lincoln City
By Barbara B. Covell
For the TODAY
There’s an old adage that misery loves company, and it plays out in an unusual way with Theatre West’s latest show, “Misery.” This classic thriller is based on the 1987 novel by Stephen King and the subsequent movie by screenwriter William Goldman, who also wrote the stage adaptation.
If you enjoy mysteries and scary stuff, then this show will definitely delight, offering a thrill for those who seek chilling entertainment.
Director Amanda Megyesi-McCave brings this psychological thriller to Lincoln City audiences.
“This was something different for me,” she said. “I thought the Stephen King story may have a fanbase here, so I was excited for the challenge to appeal to a wide audience.”
Fans of this story will not be disappointed. For those not familiar with the storyline, it follows romance novelist Paul Sheldon, author of a popular series about the fictional character Misery Chastain. After crashing his car in a Colorado snowstorm, Sheldon is rescued by Annie Wilkes, a former nurse who brings him back to her secluded home to convalesce. Paul awakens to discover he has badly broken legs and a dislocated shoulder which have been treated by Annie, his number one fan. As he becomes addicted to painkillers, Paul realizes he is being held hostage by a deranged killer who has no intention of letting him go. Deprived of food and water and subjected to Annie’s rages, Paul is forced to write another novel bringing Annie’s favorite character, the deceased Misery Chastain, back to life. Realizing his captor is a neurotic, sadistic, erratic loose cannon, he writes for his life.
Watching the on-stage performance of “Misery” is both terrifying and captivating. Robin Kirsch as Annie has the right amount of saccharin sweetness that morphs into multidimensional deranged personalities. Even when pleasant, her nature keeps the audience on edge. She delivers a mammoth amount of lines in an easy manner, however, as the story unfolds her character becomes more manic and physical. Kirsch nails it.
Scott Ganyo portrays the tragic Paul. He is constantly trying to engage in a mind game and stay one step ahead of Annie’s plans. Ganyo is credible as the wounded victim in constant physical pain. There are scenes where he pushes his limits to escape from Annie’s clutches. Audiences will agonize along with Ganyo’s character as he desperately crawls across the floor for freedom, and he does a good job transitioning from a victim to a man with a plan to escape his desperate situation.
John Jeans plays the sheriff, Buster, who shows up at Annie’s remote house in search of Paul. His suspicions do not bode well at the end, but Jeans plays it well.
And what can be said about the infamous “hobbling” scene? Undoubtedly the anticipation is a collective breath-holding experience for the audience, as well as the actors.
This is scary stuff.
It’s important to note the set, designed to be a bedroom and adjacent kitchen area in Annie’s house. Credit should be given to the entire production team for a design and construction that maximizes the stage and enhances the storyline with an added level of intimacy with the audience.
Megyasi-McCave and the cast have been rehearsing since early November, working around the holidays and individual scheduling conflicts.
“This cast and crew really worked hard on this show and I am proud of the results,” she said.
Along with the director is assistant director Kievan McCave and production assistant Matt McCave. Both also work lights and sound along with Emily Potter. Stage managers are Matt McCave and Denise Gray. Jack Baird is board assistant.
It should be noted that this is a PG-13 show, not suitable for young children due to the violence, blood and language. There is also a gunshot so parental discretion is advised.
There is no intermission and the production runs just over two hours.
“Misery” runs through January 27, with performances at 7:30 pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and one 2 pm matinée on Sunday, Jan. 21.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $12 for students younger than 12. For more information, go to theatrewest.com or call 541-994-5663.