Threshold Stage Company to present 'Misery' at Star Theatre in Kittery

The Threshold Stage Company will present “Misery,” by William Goldman (adapted from Stephen King’s best-selling novel) at the Star Theatre at the Kittery Community Center Oct. 21 to Nov. 6.

Where is the line between a fan and a fanatic and what happens when that line is crossed? Annie Wilkes is famous novelist Paul Sheldon’s “Number One Fan.” After a chance encounter with Sheldon, the love of her life, her isolation and irrational connection to his most famous literary character Misery Chastain set the stage for her progressive decent into fanaticism. The ensuing dynamic cat-and-mouse tension between Paul and Annie makes for a non-stop gripping thriller full of psychological tension, suspense and dark humor that won’t let go until the very end.

“Misery” is Goldman’s theatrical adaptation of Stephen King’s best-selling novel and critically acclaimed major motion picture of the same name. After the closing of the highly successful Broadway production, starring Bruce Willis and Laurie Metcalf, Threshold Stage Co-artistic directors Peter Motson and Heather Glenn Wixson worked for five years to obtain the rights to “Misery” and become one of the first theater companies in New England to produce the play.

To help them bring “Misery” to life, Glenn Wixson and Motson brought in award-winning regional director and playwright Jack Neary. For Motson, Neary is “the perfect fit, with a successful and proven background in theatrical thrillers and mysteries” having directed “Dial M for Murder,” “Deathtrap” and “Dracula,” to name a few.

Because of Neary’s collaborative directorial style, Glenn Wixson believes “Misery” is “a true reflection of many creative minds coming together” to create a dynamic integrated whole greater than the sum of its parts.

The play is comprised of 25 scenes all taking place in Annie Wilkes’ isolated mountain cabin. Set designer Kelly Gibson worked for months, and through multiple iterations, to come up with an intricate and innovative set design that seamlessly accommodates the quick changes, special effects and riveting visceral moments. Kelly’s design is masterfully realized by set builder Sam Bagdon, crafting the perfect setting for the action to unfold.

The original music and soundscape of sound designer Joel Glenn Wixson provides the final touch, enhancing and accentuating the physical space. Motson (as Paul Sheldon), Heather Glenn Wixson (as Annie Wilkes) and actor Michael Walker (as Buster) organically inhabit the space, making it their own and keeping the audience engaged and on the edge of their seat for the entirety of “Misery”.

The award-winning Threshold Stage Company’s production of “Misery" at the Star Theatre in Kittery, Maine is a gripping and entertaining examination of obsession, manipulation and survival. “Treat” yourself right this Halloween season and experience the thrill ride that is “Misery”.

The play, which is rate PG-13, will run Oct. 21 to Nov. 6, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Star Theatre is located inside the Kittery Community Center at 120 Rogers Road, Kittery, Maine. Tickets are $25 and are available online at https://portsmouthnhtickets.com/organizations/kittery-community-center or call (207) 439-3800)

Threshold Stage Company is an award-winning, professional theater company in residence at the Star Theatre in Kittery, Maine. Founded in 2014 by veteran theatrical artists Peter Motson and Heather Glenn Wixson, Threshold provides intelligent, compelling and socially relevant theater of all genres to Southern Maine, the New Hampshire Seacoast and beyond.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Threshold Stage Company to present 'Misery' at Star Theatre in Kittery