Misery

Misery

Broadhurst Theatre

February 7, 2016

Photo courtesy of Misery 

Misery has been one of my “must sees” this season.  With its limited run quickly coming to an end, I resigned myself to the fact that I was probably not going to get to see it.  A little push to the TKTS booth in Time Square for a Sunday matinee was all I needed.  It was well worth the wait.  The production was as funny and suspenseful as I hoped.

Laurie Metcalf did not disappoint as Annie Wilkes, the role that won Kathy Bates an Academy Award and a Golden Globe in 1990.  She truly made the role her own.  She was likeable and caring at first, then gradually revealed her darker and more gruesome sides in smooth, justifiable transitions.  Making his Broadway debut, Bruce Willis maintained a strong presence as Paul Sheldon.  His character remained calm and rational in the face of life threatening danger.  There were a few jarring and terrifying moments that, even though expected, were highly effective.

Bruce Willis & Laurie Metcalf
Photo courtesy of Misery

Playwright William Goldman, who also adapted the movie version from the Stephen King novel, created a concise ninety-minute, three character version of this gripping tale that was entertaining and frightening.  David Korins’ turn table set design created a sense of entrapment while also allowing for location changes.  The lighting (by David Weiner), sound design (by Darron L, West), and original music (by Michael Friedman) established a clear time line and further developed the mystery and suspense that enhanced Mr. Goldman’s compact script.

Photo courtesy of Misery

The most humorous and effective moment was in the final scene when Paul Sheldon crosses to a microphone on stage to speak about the release for his new book.  The audience applauded and cheered for Bruce Willis, which was the perfect response his character would have received from an audience attending his speech.  The only weak spot was the climactic fight scene where Paul Sheldon overtakes Annie Wilkes.  Its lack of intensity could have been due to its brevity, the actors being off their timing, or a little of both. 

If you have not yet seen Misery, there’s still time.  It closes on February 14.  You have a good chance of getting a discount ticket on TKTS in Times Square.  What are you waiting for?

Domenick Danza