We are appropriately recovering from a “miserable” night at Riverwalk Theatre, as Ayden Soupal’s directorial debut gave us MISERY, adapted by William Goldman from Stephen King’s novel. Ayden has wisely chosen not to have an intermission in this thriller to maintain the momentum of desperation escalating throughout.
Holly Sleight-Engler plays Annie Wilkes, “number one fan” of author Paul Sheldon (Scott Pohl.) After having rescued him from a car wreck, she exuberantly adores and terrorizes him into writing a new novel, resurrecting her beloved heroine, Misery Chastain. Holly bubbles with fan-girl energy and simmers with menace as the Scott’s desperation builds. Scott was particularly convincing portraying the physical pain of his character. Jules Overfelt was charmingly folksy as the sheriff.
Kudos to fight choreographer Dale Wayne Williams and intimacy coordinator Amanda Tollstam for engineering some violent moments, while assuring the actors survive for subsequent performances! The set was practical but I would have liked to have seen more “decor” reflecting Annie’s unique character.
Note that - due to lack of intermission - refreshments ARE allowed into Riverwalk’s Black Box theatre. Also note that this particular performance was sold out! So best to reserve ahead of time (517-482-5700 http://www.riveralktheatre.com) and arrive early, both for snacks and to secure the best seats, since Black Box shows are general admission. Tickets available at the door while they last.
Tickets $15/$12 student, senior, military - and $12/$10 on Bargain Thursdays, which are ALSO social distancing days, where only half the house is sold and attendees wear masks.