Review Roundup: MISERY at Penobscot Theatre Company

MISERY plays at the Penobscot Theatre through November 5, and is based on the Stephen King novel as the same name. In this faithful adaptation of a King classic, romance novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car accident by his "Number One Fan," Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads the manuscript to his newest novel and one plot twist leads to another, as Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it. And it does.

The show was written by William Goldman and was directed by Bari Newport, with set design by Tricia Hobbs, lighting design by Scout Hough, sound design by Kati Guzzi, effects design by Eric Anderson, and costume design by Kevin Koski.

The cast stars James Konicek as Paul Sheldon, A.J. Mooney as Annie Wilkes, and Ben Layman as The Sheriff.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

Allen Adams, The Maine Edge: Director Newport has done marvelous work in capturing that danger; every choice is evocative of creeping instability and a looming violent chaos. There's a crackling, frenzied energy to the piece that is as effective when suppressed beneath the surface as it is when it is freely unleashed. Fight choreographer Angela Bonacasa does a great job in harnessing that energy in some big moments. All in all, one is left with the impression of spinning out of control; it takes a good deal of directorial command to create such a sensation.

Mika Lindsay Ouellette, BroadwayWorld: The set, designed by Tricia Hobbs, rotated to follow the action around the various rooms of Wilkes' home with the focus mostly being in Sheldon's bedroom. Fans of the novel will notice that the play does well in following the basic storyline with some scenes being modified for the stage. This, however, is not a disappointment as there is plenty of suspense to keep audience members on the edge of their seats.

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