OHMPAA Shows | 2023 Misery

Misery

by William Goldman, based on the novel by Stephen King

June 15-18 and 22-25 at the Norway Grange

directed by Norman Hutchins

When romance novelist Paul Sheldon wakes from a car crash somewhere in rural Colorado, he finds the kind smile of Annie Wilkes beaming down at him. She is his number one fan. Having rescued Paul from the accident that’s left him with broken legs, Annie is now nursing Paul back to health. The storm that led to Paul’s accident has caused road closures and power cuts, but Annie has promised to get him to the hospital and to call his agent as soon as she can. But if that’s the truth... then why is his bedroom door locked? As Paul tests the boundaries of his confinement, he pulls a thread that rapidly unravels Annie’s lies. We see just how far a super fan will go to hold onto their hero.

Auditions

Tuesday, April 18 and Wednesday, April 19 with callbacks April 20; at our theater on the second floor of the Norway Grange, 15 Whitman Street, Norway.

Auditions will consist of readings from portions of the script. No memorization is required.

CASTING

2 men and 1 woman.

NOTES

The parts of Paul and Annie will require physical action and movement that includes (but may not be limited to) lifting or assisting in lifting another human, moving one’s own body weight with upper body only, moving furniture and large set pieces, and exerting physical action and effort during dialogue.

Less weight in the casting process will be given to Stephen King's physical descriptions of Paul and Annie than to acting ability and skillful character creation.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Paul Sheldon: male, late 30s to early 60s. A famed romance novelist tired of the series that has brought him the most acclaim. Returning from a retreat to finish his most recent work, he is involved in a terrible car crash that leaves him with broken legs and unable to care for himself. He’s thoughtful, if not a touch arrogant, and extremely crafty. He quickly realizes how dangerous his situation is and must use anything and everything at his disposal to survive.
Annie Wilkes: female, 40s to 60s. A nurse who comes to Paul’s rescue (seemingly), Annie seems to be a kind, tender woman who cares deeply for Paul, even if she does seem slightly off. As Paul grows to know her, it becomes clearer that Annie is manipulative and cunning and hides a deep set and terrifying malice behind her cheery simple façade. Annie is, in Paul's estimation, "dangerously crazy."
Buster: male, late 30s to late 60s. The sheriff of a nearby town searching for Paul. Very friendly with possible hopes of something more with Annie.