I attended the preview of Misery this week with low expectations. I had just rewatched the 1990 film adaptation and was blown away yet again by Kathy Bates’ performance. I didn’t think anyone could match her manic energy.
I’m happy to report that I was mistaken. The cast rose to the challenge, playing up the movie’s dark humour while staying faithful to Stephen King’s novel’s twisted source material.
Scene from Misery at The Gladstone. Photo by Maria Vartanova Photography
Misery is the first production of TooBeats Theatre, a new production company founded by the two main cast members when they decided to produce and star in the play at the Gladstone Theatre.
Warning: plot spoilers ahead.
The play begins with novelist Paul Sheldon waking up to discover that he has been rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and is now her captive. While Paul is healing from his accident, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favourite character, Misery Chastain. Chaos, torture, and literary creation ensues.
Scene from Misery at The Gladstone. Photo by Maria Vartanova Photography
Cindy Beaton was an incredible villain as Annie Wilkes. She managed to seem innocent one moment, and psychopathic the next, and could still get you to empathize with her character.
Shaun Toohey had perfect deadpan delivery and his sarcastic one-liners had the audience cracking up. His dedication to throwing himself into the role’s physicality was impressive, and although he’s bedridden for most of the play, he still manages to captivate with his expressive face.
This was the first time I had ever attended a play that could be classified as a thriller, and I wasn’t sure how the horror elements would translate to the stage. But the whole performance people were squirming in their seats with discomfort and suspense, and the final fight scene had audience members screaming “kill her!” So, I think it’s safe to say people were heavily invested in Paul’s survival. In one memorable scene, Annie forces Paul to drink water from a dirty mop pail and the audience gasps and screams in shock.
Scene from Misery at The Gladstone. Photo by Maria Vartanova Photography
Fans of Stephen King will love this adaptation, but even those who are not horror fans will get a kick out of Paul’s gallows humour and high jinx as he tries to escape and outwit his captor. Additionally, the play’s subject feels even more relevant today in our internet era of extreme fan culture and celebrity worship.
Although I know it’s hard to leave the house in this chilly weather, I can’t recommend enough that you bundle up and enjoy this thrilling winter play!
Misery is playing at the Gladstone Theatre from Jan. 23 to Feb. 1. To get your tickets, contact the box office at 613-233-4523, or purchase them online. For more information about the show, visit the Gladstone Theatre’s website.
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