By Sherri Carr
Stephen King has long been known as the “King of Horror”, and the staged version of his 1987 novel, “Misery” was the perfect extension to the spooky season for me. While I do enjoy a good slasher story full of blood and gore, I have found psychological horror to be the most fascinating and the most frightening. To steal a quote from the director’s note, “This is not a horror story, but one that is horrific in its portrayal of loneliness and desperation…” I couldn’t agree more.
Chas Thomas as Buster and Susan Bolt as Annie Wilkes.
As “Misery” opens, we find Annie Wilkes tending to Paul Sheldon after a car accident has left him with multiple severe injuries. Paul Sheldon just so happens to be Annie’s favorite author, and Annie just so happens to have the medical skills necessary to keep Paul alive, set his broken bones and care for him as only his “number one fan” could. The perfect makings of a feel good, help your fellow man story. Except… Annie’s behavior isn’t quite normal and Paul finds himself in quite a desperate situation as he realizes, while medically skilled, Annie is also clearly suffering from some type of mental health issue.
Susan Bolt’s performance as Annie Wilkes was simply captivating. Susan’s changes in facial expression and body language were masterful as a visual expression of Annie’s struggle between her transitioning mental states. Sometimes the changes are slow and subtle, sometimes frighteningly explosive. Annie is smart enough to be manipulative, but definitely lacking in certain social and coping skills–is it from extreme loneliness, mental health issues, undiagnosed trauma, all of the above? Susan’s embodiment of Annie was delightfully terrifying.
As Annie’s mental condition becomes more obvious, Paul’s situation becomes more and more desperate. As Paul, Ken Opdenaker played a physically demanding role well. Watching him ‘struggle’ with non-functioning limbs and reacting to physical punishment was a bit rough at times because it felt so real. (Sometimes swear words are necessary!) Despite Paul’s fear increasing with every scene, Ken managed to convey compassion for his captor who’s suffering in a way he doesn’t quite understand, while desperate to escape the situation before it’s too late.
Misery’s small cast of actors was completed nicely by Chas Thomas as Buster, local law enforcement looking into the disappearance of the famous author. Prior to the performance I had not seen any of the actors’ previous work, but will definitely be on the lookout for their names in the future. I have seen several shows directed by Jess Stinson, and they never disappoint.
Jess, once again, selected a top-notch cast and crew to deliver ‘her’ vision of the material-Even when the story is well known, you will find something fresh, a different perspective, or something thought-provoking when she is at the helm. Kudos to the cast, crew and volunteers of Spotlight Theatre’s “Misery.”
If You Go:
“Misery” runs from Nov. 15-17, with shows Friday/Saturday at 8 pm; Sunday at 3 p.m. at The Twentieth Century Club! Get tickets at www.spotlighttheatrepa.org