Theater review: ‘Misery' hits the mark at ACT's 35below
Tony Kiss • TKiss@CITIZEN-TIMES.com • published October 9, 2008 1:15 pm
Many of Stephen King's amazing stories have just not translated well to the stage or screen. But “Misery” is an exception in a production on stage at Asheville Community Theatre's tiny 35below performance space, in the lower back level of the downtown playhouse.
The tale of a romance novelist, injured in an auto accident and stranded with an increasingly psychotic fan, is made even more intense by the small confines of 35below. First-rate acting and sharp direction by Susan Dillard make this a show worth seeing.
But speaking of seeing, the only flaw is the seating arrangement for “Misery.” When the house is full (as it was last Saturday night), it was very difficult to see the stage from the back rows. Some theater-goers were constantly craning their necks or moving around trying to watch. One person even jumped up from a seat to see the dramatic finish, which was otherwise blocked from view by folks up front. This could be fixed by putting some more elevation on those last two rows – or bringing a phone book or two to sit on. The layout also puts one scene in the rear of the room, completely out of view.
The movie version of “Misery,” starring James Caan and Kathy Bates, has made the “Misery” a classic. Weary romance novelist Paul (Jonathan Ray) is badly injured in a car crash in the frozen wilderness, and then saved (by fate) by a loving fan and former nurse Annie (Cary Nichols).
What first seems to be a miracle then turns to nightmare, as Annie becomes increasingly odd and obsessed with Paul, and his decision to end his “Misery” series of novels and try something new. The writer becomes trapped and hooked on pain pills, with no choice but to go along with Annie's freaky command.
Dillard gets some good chemistry going here between Ray and Nichols in their odd on-stage relationship. Ray first plays the character as laid-back, but the performance evolves as he realizes the situation. His pain is so intense, it seems very real. Nichols gives a powerhouse turn as Annie, a troubled soul turned into something much more dangerous. At some moments, it's easy to feel sorry for her, at other times, she's absolutely frightening.
10 October 2008
Misery
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
This is a good show. It's so hard to separate a successful movie from a staged version. I think this show both caters to peoples preconceived ideas about the story, and manages to make its own version of the events. The set and lighting design are remarkable, probably the best set design in 35 Below since The Raindrop Waltz. This version gave me more of the feeling of confinement than the movie version does. Both actors do a commendable job as well. I think there were times when both actors could have pushed their characters a little further, but it's hard to compete against James Caan and Kathy Bates. I'm glad both actors decided to give the characters their own spin. I'll agree with Tony Kiss that the sightlines are not so good in the theater, and the scene that played in the rear was difficult to see. I think the designers did the best they could with the configuration of the space.
Also there is a good bit of fun theatricality in the show, including the "hobbling" scene which is different than you see in the movie.
I think this show maintains 35 Below's always high production values.
Post a Comment