Scott Phelps and Ellen Phelps in “Misery” at Citadel Theatre (Photo by Ralph Durham)
Highly recommended
When you hear that “Misery,” a play by William Goldman, is based on a Stephen King novel you are likely to assume it is scary audience theater. It’s not.
Directed by Rob Reiner, the movie was a thriller that starred James Caan as novelist Paul Sheridan and Kathy Bates as his “captor,” Annie.
However, the Citadel play, though not a “thriller,” is fraught with nervous tension as Sheldon, magnificently portrayed by Scott Phelps appeases Annie’s demands to write a new novel the way she wants while he recuperates from an auto accident.
The plot, well interpreted as the dangerous obsession of Annie Wilkes, his “number one fan” perfectly played by Ellen Phelps, it all takes place in Annie’s rural home near where Sheldon has crashed his car.
And yes, the Phelps are related. They are the professional actor husband and wife team that created the acclaimed Lake Forest, IL based Citadel Theatre about 23 years ago.
The surprise here is not about the really superb acting but about how scenic designer Bob Knuth was able to fit in all the needed elements, indoors and out, onto Citadel’s tiny stage. The theater seats about 150 people.
The play is quite short – taking a mere 93minutes. But during that time Director Scott Westerman leaves no doubt that no matter how accommodating Annie may seem at first, Sheldon is now at her mercy and needs to somehow escape from her and her property.
Details: “Misery” is at Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, IL, Sept 12-Oct.12, 2025. For tickets and more information call (847) 735-8554 or visit www.Citadeltheatre.org.
Jodie Jacobs
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