There is no misery in Live Theatre Workshop鈥檚 production of the chilling play, 鈥淢isery.鈥
It鈥檚 based on a (adapted by William Goldman), so of course it would be chilling.
Sabian Trout鈥檚 sharp direction and pristine performances by Brendan Guy Murphy and Lesley Abrams made sure that every creepy element of the story is illuminated.
Here鈥檚 the story: Paul (Murphy) is a novelist. Annie (Abrams) is, by her own declaration, his No. 1 fan.
While stalking him, Annie sees his car careen off an icy road. Naturally, she takes the seriously injured writer to her near-by home. She is a nurse, after all.
In his latest book, he has killed off Annie鈥檚 favorite character, Misery. She insists he bring her back and write a new book. And she won鈥檛 let him go until he does.
People are also reading…
See? Creepy.
Abrams鈥 Annie pivots from rage to tenderness. You never know what will set her off. Neither does Paul. Abrams embraced the crazy in the character, infusing her with tension and humor (though this is definitely not a comedy). We always love it when Abrams is on stage and her owning the out-there Annie was a treat.
Murphy鈥檚 Paul was a charming, easy-going chap who can鈥檛 believe he is caught in this scenario. Murphy is as understated as Abrams is wild, and the two of them were a perfect team.
The play is a swift 90 minutes, with no intermission, and the tension is woven through every second.
It鈥檚 grand fun.
Live Theatre Workshop鈥檚 production of 鈥淢isery鈥 continues through Nov. 10 at 3322 E. Fort Lowell Road. Tickets are $27-$30 at 520-327-4242 or .听