Carrollwood Players to Present Stephen King Thriller, "MISERY."

Few stories in modern fiction have gripped audiences as powerfully as Misery — and this month, you can experience its chilling intensity up close and personal on stage at Carrollwood Players Theatre.

Based on the acclaimed novel by Stephen King and adapted for the stage by William Goldman, Misery is a psychological thriller designed to keep audiences teetering between fascination and fear from the first scene to the last.

A Story of Obsession and Survival

The story centers on Paul Sheldon, a bestselling novelist known for his popular romance series featuring the character Misery Chastain. After finishing what he hopes will be his final Misery novel, Paul crashes his car in a remote, snowbound area. He’s rescued by Annie Wilkes — his “number one fan” — who brings him to her secluded home to recover.

At first, Annie seems caring, almost maternal. But as Paul soon discovers, Annie’s devotion to his work runs far deeper — and far darker — than he ever imagined.

When she reads his new manuscript and learns that he has killed off her beloved heroine, Annie’s hospitality turns into a terrifying captivity.

What follows is a tense battle of wills, filled with shocking twists, dark humor, and moments of unnerving suspense.

Misery is a gripping exploration of fandom, power, and artistic control — and the lengths to which one person will go to keep their fantasy alive.

From Page to Screen to Stage

Stephen King’s 1987 novel Misery was an instant bestseller, earning praise for its psychological depth and claustrophobic tension. In 1990, the story was famously adapted into an Oscar-winning film starring James Caan as Paul Sheldon and Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes — a performance that earned Bates the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Playwright William Goldman — who also wrote the screenplay for the film — later adapted the story for the stage. His version condenses King’s harrowing tale into an intimate, electrifying play that heightens both the suspense and the emotional stakes.

Onstage, there’s nowhere to hide: every glance, every word, and every silence becomes charged with menace.

Why You’ll Want to See It

What makes Misery so thrilling in a live theatre setting is its immediacy. The audience shares the same space as the characters — the tension is palpable, the fear is real, and the suspense unfolds right before your eyes.

The isolation of Annie’s house, the slow unraveling of her sanity, and Paul’s desperate attempts to outthink his captor all become deeply immersive when experienced up close.

Whether you’re a fan of Stephen King’s storytelling, a lover of edge-of-your-seat drama, or simply looking for a night of riveting live theatre, Misery promises an unforgettable experience.

It’s a masterclass in suspense, a darkly funny character study, and a haunting reminder that sometimes the scariest monsters don’t live under the bed — they’re sitting right beside you, smiling sweetly.

Limited Engagement in Carrollwood

Misery is on stage at Carrollwood Players Theatre from October 17th through November 2nd, with performances at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights (including Halloween night) and 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. Tickets range from $23 to $32.

The theatre is located at 4335 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL, 33618 (in the Plantation Plaza) and with only 75 seats, is known as an intimate local gem for theatregoers who love an up-close experience.

Misery is directed by Richard Ryan and stars Avry Eden, Jeff Slagle and Eric Misener.