Anniston, Gadsden theater groups team up to present Stephen King's 'Misery' June 2-3

Mercy Pilkington
·2 min read
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Live theater has something for everyone, and a new production from two area theater companies is bringing something unusual to the Ritz stage.

Actors Community Playhouse of Anniston and Theatre of Gadsden are collaborating on a stage production of Stephen King’s macabre thriller, “Misery,” and it’s sure to delight fans of the beloved horror writer.

Ian Johnnson is Paul Sheldon and Melissa Crow is Annie Wilkes in a collaborative production of Stephen King's "Misery" by Actors Community Playhouse of Anniston and Theatre of Gadsden. There will be performances June 2 and 3 at the Ritz Theatre in Alabama City.
Ian Johnnson is Paul Sheldon and Melissa Crow is Annie Wilkes in a collaborative production of Stephen King's "Misery" by Actors Community Playhouse of Anniston and Theatre of Gadsden. There will be performances June 2 and 3 at the Ritz Theatre in Alabama City.

“Stephen King’s stories are so iconic, but there’s an entirely new layer of depth to them when you are actually in the room with these characters,” said Annslyn Pilkington, creator of Actors Community Playhouse “It’s one thing to read his books or watch a film adaptation, but to be sitting in a darkened theatre with Annie Wilkes as she descends even further into madness lets you enjoy the story in a brand-new, unexpected way.”

ACP first staged “Misery” at the McClellan Theater in Anniston earlier this month, and the cast of characters — Melissa Crow as Annie Wilkes, Ian Johnson as Paul Sheldon and Madison McWilliams as Sheriff Buster — turned in heart-stopping performances.

Now, thanks to a unique partnership between two companies, “Misery” is coming to life once again.

“Community theater is not possible without theatres coming together with the common goal of advancing the arts in our communities,” said Nica Hodge, board member and production team member with Theatre of Gadsden.

Madison McWilliams is Sheriff Buster and Melissa Crow is Annie Wilkes in a collaborative production of Stephen King's "Misery" by Actors Community Playhouse of Anniston and Theatre of Gadsden. There will be performances June 2 and 3 at the Ritz Theatre in Alabama City.
Madison McWilliams is Sheriff Buster and Melissa Crow is Annie Wilkes in a collaborative production of Stephen King's "Misery" by Actors Community Playhouse of Anniston and Theatre of Gadsden. There will be performances June 2 and 3 at the Ritz Theatre in Alabama City.

This kind of collaboration, whether it’s in teaming up to stage entire productions or merely sharing space, ideas or vision, is at the heart of creating performances that leave lasting impressions on audiences in the community.

Tickets for “Misery” are on sale now, with two performances scheduled: 7 p.m. June 2, and 2 p.m. June 3 at the Ritz Theatre, 310 Wall St., in Alabama City. They are $20 for adults, $18 for students/seniors. and $15 for groups of 10 or more, and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/45pjx2F.

True to Stephen King’s work, the show contains adult themes and content, as well as some intense theatrical elements.

For more information, visit www.theatreofgadsden.org or call 256-547-SHOW (7469).

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Local theater groups to present Stephen King's 'Misery'