Pictured: The set of Misery. Provided photo.

Stephen King, the undisputed “King of Horror,” published his debut novel Carrie in 1974. 51 years later, King’s influence still runs strongly through the veins of modern culture—HBO just released a new series, It – Welcome to Derry and a film adaptation of King’s 1982 novel The Running Man is set to hit theaters this November. King’s influence is felt here on the Gulf Coast, where the Manatee Performing Arts Center is staging its last few productions of Misery, which runs through November 2.

The play, which is making its debut at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, is an adaptation by William Goldman of Stephen King’s 1987 novel of the same name. Misery is a masterclass in tension: when celebrated author Paul Sheldon wakes up in an isolated cabin after a devastating car crash, he finds himself in the care of his “number one fan” Annie Wilkes. As time goes on, however, Paul realizes that he is not a patient of Annie’s, but rather a prisoner.

“The play is based upon the book, which was also adapted into a very popular movie, so I love the fact that it has title recognition and our audience will come in with some familiarity of the show,” says Rick Kerby, producing artistic director of the Manatee Performing Arts Center. “It’s a disturbing play and to try to interpret that on stage is a great challenge for us, but one that we’re really excited about.”

Misery will be staged in Manatee’s second, smaller theater, the Bradenton Kiwanis Theater, which will lend itself to the visceral nature of the production. All of Misery takes place in Annie’s living room, with Paul held captive. “It’s so intimate that it’s going to be fun for the audience to be right there with the actors—you’re going to feel like you’re in the living room where all of the action is taking place,” says Kerby.

Critical to the play is the chemistry between the two actors playing Paul and Annie. Not only the emotional chemistry between captor and captive, but the physicality of the tense situation must be apparent between the actors as well. “90 percent of a good production is getting the right people in the right parts,” says Kerby. “One part of the audition process was trying to pair up people who do have that chemistry, that physicality that stacks up against each other, the right temperament for the roles and ultimately the acting chops to go along with it.”

Misery, October 16 to November 2, Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton, 34205

Pictured: The set of Misery. Provided photo.

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