William Goldman’s stage adaptation of Stephen King’s Misery is coming to Blue Bridge Theatre this month, bringing the thrilling and suspenseful story to life. Misery revolves around an author, Paul Sheldon, who gets saved by an obsessive fan, Annie Wilkes, following a car accident. However, he soon finds himself trapped by Wilkes and is subjected to her disturbing behaviours.
Director Michael Armstrong has previously appeared as an actor at Blue Bridge Theatre on numerous occasions, but this play will be his first directorial role with the company. Armstrong says he was excited by the opportunity to direct one of King’s stories.
“I am a long-time fan of Stephen King,” says Armstrong. “Plus, I have worked as an actor for Blue Bridge in about 12 different productions since 2010, but I never directed for them, so it was the opportunity to direct for them and direct such a great script.”
Misery highlights a range of intense emotions and is filled with fear, suspense, and thrilling moments.
“I want the audiences going out feeling like they have been just thrilled to death for the last hour and a half, that they have been on the edge of their seats, gripping the arms of their chairs,” he says.
For those who may be familiar with the novel and the 1990 film adaptation, Armstrong says that there are notable differences, even though the core story remains essentially the same.
“Well, it’s essentially the same story, but it has been adapted for the stage, so I think the people who are interested in seeing the stage production will know the number of differences from the film,” he says. “I think that those who have read or seen the story before will be visiting a old friend and will notice substantial differences, particularly with the novel.”
The title of the story carries significant conceptual meaning and symbolic value in the play. It’s more than just the title: it’s a crucial factor in shaping the story and the characters’ experiences.
“‘Misery’ has a number of different meanings in the title, because the play refers to the misery of the characters, in particular, Paul Sheldon being trapped in the house. But also I think in a way it also refers to the misery of Annie Wilkes, who is obsessed with the character Misery and desperate to know more about her. ‘Misery’ is actually the name of one of the characters in Paul Sheldon’s novel, and she is a female heroine in his historical romances.”
Armstrong says that people should come expecting an exciting time.
“This show is a roller-coaster,” he says, “and audiences should come prepared for a wild, thrilling ride.”
Misery
Various times, Tuesday, November 21 until Sunday, December 3
Various prices (student tickets $15), Blue Bridge Theatre
bluebridgetheatre.ca