Misery at The Laboratory Theater

Misery by William Goldman, based on the novel by Stephen King, opens Oct. 20 at The Laboratory Theater of Florida in Fort Myers.
From the creator of The Shining and It comes a twisted story about meeting your heroes. Paul Sheldon, famous author of the Misery romance series, gets into a terrible accident in the middle of nowhere. He wakes up being nursed to health by his “number one fan,” Annie. However, when she reads his new manuscript, she’ll do anything to get him to rewrite it… even if it means keeping him there forever.
Director Nykkie Rizley notes, “I have been attracted to the macabre for a very long time. Disturbed souls, dark woods, cliff-hangers, plot and psychological twists – I am a horrorphile. So, it is no wonder that no one seemed surprised that I would be directing Misery. It has been one of my dreams since before we started The Laboratory Theater of Florida. While Stephen King is well known for supernatural fiction, Misery is unique in that there are no scary monsters. No clowns hiding in a sewer. No girl with telekinesis. No mysterious cemetery, or rabid dogs, or evil cars…. There’s just Annie Wilkes. Sweet, unassuming, book-loving Annie Wilkes. The terror is palpable because we know her. She doesn’t need superpowers to reign over her captive… a syringe will do just fine.”
Producing artistic director Annette Trossbach adds, “The tension between Annie and Paul, the love and fear of their relationship, is the center of this story. When Annie leaves the house, Paul explores, learning more about his captor, and the set turns with him, highlighting yet another outstanding set design by Gabrielle Lansden and Jonathan Johnson. I’m thrilled that we are presenting the SWFL premiere of this exciting show, one of five premieres this season!”
Misery features Ryan Adair (Paul Sheldon), Lauren Miller (Annie Wilkes), and Scott Carpenter (Buster). Stage management is by Daniel Sabiston, set design by Jonathan Johnson and Gabrielle Lansden. Costumes are by Alena Stevenson.
Performances are Oct. 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, Nov. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees will be presented Oct. 22 and 29 and Nov. 5 and 12 at 2 p.m. Half price preview nights are Oct. 18 and 19.
For tickets, call the box office at 239-218-0481 or online at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com. The theater is located at 1634 Woodford Ave. in the Fort Myers River District.