WTC presents Stephen King’s bestselling thriller ‘Misery’

Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King, Whitefish Theatre Company is bringing “Misery” to the stage for its third mainstage show of the 2023-2024 season. 

This nail-biting horror play which was also a hit movie starring James Caan and Kathy Bates, opens with a sneak preview night on Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Performances continue on Feb. 23, 24, and 29 and March 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. There is one matinee performance on Feb. 25 at 4 p.m. 

True life becomes stranger than fiction when an acclaimed romance novelist Paul Sheldon wakes up incapacitated in the secluded home of Annie Wilkes — his “number one fan” — after she rescues him from a wintery car crash. While Paul is on the mend, Annie insists she must proofread Paul’s latest book but becomes blind with rage when it is revealed Mr. Sheldon has killed off Annie’s favorite character, Misery Chastain. As Annie forces the injured Paul to write a new “Misery” novel, he realizes the unhinged Annie has no intention of letting him leave, prompting a game of cat-and-mouse as he tries to outsmart her and plan his escape. This spine-tingling stage adaptation promises to grip you until the very end. 

“I have been a Stephen King fan since my Mom decided I was old enough to read one of his books,” says Director and WTC Artistic Director Kim Krueger. “Fast forward years later, I was excited to learn that William Goldman, who authored the movie ‘The Princess Bride,’ had written a theatrical production of ‘Misery.’ While the play was given the stamp of approval by King, I was a bit apprehensive as adaptations of many books and films into stage plays rarely work out.” When Krueger read the adaptation of “Misery” she was thrilled. 

“This play faithfully captures the best parts of the book and the film in a fresh adaptation that stays true to the chilling core of the original story,” she said. 

Starring in this production are WTC veterans David Blair and Sarina Hart as Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes and newcomer Jesse Nelson as Officer Buster. 

“The cast really dove into their characters,” Krueger said. “David’s emotional as well as physical work is spectacular, and Sarina’s Annie is both sympathetic and terrifying. Jesse, making his WTC debut, adds to the tension as the sheriff. They all dove into this dark tale wholeheartedly and we can’t wait to take you on this ride.”

The show contains adult themes, language and depictions of violence, and is recommended for mature audiences.  

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $10 for students with reserved seating. Tickets for the sneak preview performance on Feb. 22 are sold only at the door and are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office at 1 Central Avenue in Whitefish or by calling 406-862-5371. Box Office Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before a performance. Individual tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. This show is sponsored by Harlow, Underscore Art, and First Interstate Bank.