Review: Misery

Review: Misery | OpenStage Theatre & Company | The  Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre, Fort Collins, CO | Curtain Up! | Eric Fitzgerald | November 25, 2025

Photography credit: Soleil Lean Geddes | Timothy Ackerman as Paul Sheldon and Jessica Emerling Crow as Annie Wilkes

In the hands of OpenStage Theatre & Company in Fort Collins, the play Misery arrives like a storm cloud edged with lightning—deliciously suspenseful, laced with a wicked streak of dark humor. Written by William Goldman and directed by Producing Artistic Director Jacob Offen, this adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic novel traps audiences in a world where tension crackles and laughter comes with a shiver. It’s a theatrical thrill ride that delights in unease, daring you to lean in even as the shadows deepen.

Stephen King’s 1987 novel Misery quickly became a cultural touchstone, inspiring a chilling 1990 film adaptation and later a stage adaptation. William Goldman, who penned the screenplay, adapted the story for the theatre, with the premiere at Bucks County Playhouse in 2012 before moving to Broadway in 2015. From its origins in King’s dark imagination to its evolution under Goldman’s hand, Misery has proven itself to be a gripping tale of obsession and survival that continues to captivate audiences in live performance.

Novelist Paul Sheldon (Timothy Ackerman) awakens after a devastating accident to find himself in the care of former nurse Annie Wilkes(Jessica Emerling Crow), who proudly declares herself his “number one fan.” What begins as gratitude soon twists into captivity, as Annie’s devotion to Paul’s work takes a darker, more unsettling turn. Meanwhile, Sheriff Buster (John Wilson) searches for answers beyond the isolated home, unaware of the storm brewing inside. Tension mounts with each scene Paul is forced to write, building toward an incredible finish that leaves audiences breathless without ever letting them see it coming.

This production features three powerful performances that crackle with both dark humor and suspense. Crow, an OpenStage favorite and Henry Award nominee and OpenStage Opus Award winner, commands the stage with a performance that is both commanding and multi-layered.  Ackerman, returning to the stage after a six-year hiatus, offers a deeply confident portrayal that captures vulnerability and resilience, making his return a display of undeniable strength.  Wilson, in his first appearance with OpenStage, steps into the ensemble with striking confidence, bringing fresh energy and presence that intensify the play’s tension. Collectively, these performances showcase the ensemble’s artistry, with each actor distinct yet seamlessly woven into Stephen King’s haunting tale.

As Director of Misery, Jacob Offen, whose vision shapes the production into a taut, extended one-act that heightens both suspense and immediacy. Offen emphasizes the clever humor woven into William Goldman’s script, ensuring that the tension is broken with moments of unsettling laughter. His staging relies heavily on Fight Director Ambrose Ferber’s sharp fight direction, which adds visceral authenticity to the play’s physical clashes. Together, Offen’s sense of tone and Ferber’s expertise in stage combat create a production that balances dread with wit, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

The physical production of Misery at OpenStage Theatre & Company masterfully captures the unsettling atmosphere of Annie Wilkes’s isolated home. Ivan Andrade’s scenic design renders the space with an appropriately claustrophobic intimacy, walls closing in as the tension mounts. MacKenzie Lowe’s lighting design sharpens the mood, casting shadows that suggest menace lurking just beyond the frame, while Rebecca Spafford’s costumes ground the characters in realism, subtly reflecting their psychological states. Together, these elements create a chilling environment where the house itself becomes a character—an oppressive presence that heightens both suspense and dark humor.

Misery at OpenStage Theatre & Company runs through November 29, offering audiences one last chance to experience its chilling suspense and sly humor. Under the sharp direction of Producing Artistic Director Jacob Offen and the Fight Director Ambrose Ferber, the production delivers a theatrical intensity matched only by the excellence of its cast. Each performance brims with nuance and power, making the ensemble’s work unforgettable. For those seeking a night of gripping theatre, this production coils with unease and delivers a finish that lingers long after the lights fade.