Review: 'Misery,' now at Derby Dinner Playhouse, imbues twists of contrasts and horror into a familiar dark story
By Jackson Graham, Arts Angle Reporter
Male High School, Class of 2029
Contrast, whether in a book or painting, is one of the most interesting effects that can lend a work an alluring dimension. One example is Stephen King’s book “Misery” adapted into the movie of the same name. So, when I learned Derby Dinner Playhouse was producing a play of “Misery” by William Goldman, who also wrote the film’s screenplay, I had to see the result.
Elizabeth Loos as Annie Wilkes and Tom Luce as Paul Sheldon in Derby Dinner Playhouse’s production of “Misery.” Photo courtesy of Derby Dinner Playhouse.
“Misery” is about a famous author, Paul Sheldon, who gets kidnapped and trapped in the house of crazed superfan Annie Wilkes after his car crashes during an intense snowstorm. The play slowly becomes a horrifying, blood-filled experience that lets the audience truly feel the fear Stephen King can conjure.
Derby Dinner Playhouse’s production, directed by Tina Jo Wallace, stars Elizabeth Loos as Annie Wilkes, Tom Luce as Paul Sheldon, and Justin Jackson as Sheriff Buster. It runs through Nov. 8.
Remember, this is an adaptation of a movie, which in itself is an adaptation of a book. When they're forced to live up to expectations, sometimes they can’t be met. This can make the play feel inferior to other versions.
Nonetheless, contrast is this play’s main highlight. It’s in every nook and cranny.
Elizabeth Loos as Annie Wilkes in Derby Dinner Playhouse’s production of “Misery.” Photo courtesy of Derby Dinner Playhouse.
Loos shows contrast in her tone and line delivery as Annie, the insane, obsessed, middle-aged woman. At first, as an excited superfan meeting this amazing author she only dreamed of meeting, her suburban energy makes her inviting and likable. This directly clashes with the insane part of her character. Prone to violent outbursts, she is willing to kill the author and herself if he eliminates his book’s main character. This shows how unstable Annie is while also making her more interesting than the average 1980s horror-movie serial killer.
Luce, as Paul Sheldon, is amazing as an arrogant man, helpless to escape the hell he’s entered. In the scene when Annie breaks his legs as punishment for trying to escape, his screams fill the theater with a sense of pain that I haven’t felt before. He conveys agony so realistically, while still being entertaining, in every line.
Another example arises in the two main characters’ views on Pual’s books. To Annie, they are the very perfection of literature, an art form. She believes his book series can truly do no wrong and sees them as Paul Sheldon’s magnum opus. Meanwhile, Paul sees the books as something fun he did in his youth that he no longer has a true passion for, hence why he was planning to kill off the main character and end the book series. This is what sets Annie on her murderous rampage.
The set of “Misery” at Derby Dinner Playhouse with Elizabeth Loos as Annie Wilkes and Tom Luce as Paul Sheldon. Photo courtesy of Derby Dinner Playhouse.
But contrast isn’t just in the characters. The creative, abstract set design exhibits contrast. IT reveals all the rooms while still resembling a house. The overall set comfortably feels like something you would expect a suburban family of four to live in. But, as we know all too well, there is a deeply broken woman inside who has extremely violent tendencies. The changes in lighting shift the tone, adding to the set and make it more effective and highly expressive. The setting is like a poison apple, seeming sweet and crisp on the outside, but deadly once you get a bite out of it.
The music used in transitions between scenes consists of piano and a few prerecorded songs. It has an almost unpredictable feel that can induce intense fear. In contrast, the songs are fairly happy and calming, but the low quality and old-sounding songs add to the already horrifying atmosphere.
Tom Luce as Paul Sheldon and Elizabeth Loos as Annie Wilkes in Derby Dinner Playhouse’s production of “Misery.” Photo courtesy of Derby Dinner Playhouse.
Even though the story is 40 years old, the actors, music, and set keep “Misery” the play moving, in its own creepy way.
Even though the story is 40 years old, the actors, music, and set keep “Misery” the play moving, in its own creepy way.
DETAILS
WHAT: “Misery” by William Goldman. Directed by Tina Jo Wallace.
WHEN: Through Nov. 8
WHERE: Derby Dinner Playhouse, 525 Marriott Drive, Clarksville, IN 47129
COST: $49-55
INFO: 812-288-8281; derbydinner.com
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