Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre makes its grand entrance for the season with the stage adaptation of Stephen King’s beloved, twisted thriller “Misery.” I was able to catch a Saturday matinee of the production and was blown away by stunning performances and its dark, enrapturing tone.
I had the pleasure of talking with the show’s director Jordan Jones as well. We discussed the show’s logistics, reception, and Pipe Dreams as a whole.
The play stayed true to the classic novel and film while still adding its own unique nuances. Both Jacob Dorris and Ella Amarante gave extraordinary performances as the two main characters, Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes respectively. Jacob Deetz also gave a charming performance as Sheriff Buster. With only a few scenes on stage, they were still able to provide much variety and a bit of comic relief to the otherwise haunting production. “This was some of the most intense material that I’ve ever worked with,” Jordan tells me. “…that intensity is held throughout the show between just those few characters. They truly all knocked it out of the park, though. It was a privilege, and an invaluable lesson working with such talented actors every rehearsal.”
Jordan had also told me how this show was home to many firsts for the Pipe Dreams crew. This was easily one of their most intimate shows in recent memory with only 3 actors and minimal set design. Yet, they didn’t need anything else as the overall story is just so impactful and intense. “I can’t express enough how overjoyed I am with the outcome of this production…both the cast and crew made this show better than I could have imagined.” This also happened to be Jordan’s first show she’s ever directed.
I think my biggest concern was how they would recreate some of the more dreadful and intense scenes near the end of the story. Though after seeing it all come to fruition, I don’t know why I had any doubts. Jordan adds, “The technical elements were also intense, but they turned out incredible thanks to my incredible fellow production team members. Without their resourcefulness and artistry, the show couldn’t have happened.”
Overall, “Misery” was not at all miserable. Quite the opposite actually. It reminded me why I love catching Pipe Dreams shows whenever I can, you just never know what they’re gonna throw at you next. The entire cast and crew did absolute justice to one of the most beloved and classic Stephen King novels. But don’t just take it from me, take it from the director, “To say I’m extremely proud is an understatement.”
Pipe Dreams next show is “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and will begin showing the weekend of October 27th. For tickets and more information click here: https://www.pdtheatre.org/
