Misery at Straz Center

By William Goldman, adapted from the novel by Stephen King
Directed by Paul J. Potenza

A fan’s devotion turns into a writer’s worst nightmare.

Jobsite Theater brings back its award-winning 2023 production of Misery, now reimagined for the much larger, 320-seat Jaeb Theater. Arriving just in time for Halloween, this chilling stage thriller offers a fresh chance to experience a story where obsession takes a terrifying turn.

Summer Bohnenkamp reprises the kind of role that earned her major recognition, including a Creative Loafing Best of the Bay Award and a Theatre Tampa Bay Award for her portrayal of the infamous Annie Wilkes. The original production was a hit, selling out for five consecutive weeks.

The Story

Acclaimed romance novelist Paul Sheldon survives a winter car crash only to find himself at the mercy of Annie Wilkes, a nurse who proudly considers herself his number one fan. Initially, her care seems like a blessing - but everything changes when Annie reads his latest book and discovers that he has killed off her favorite character.

Furious and unwilling to accept the story’s ending, Annie demands that Paul write a new novel to bring her beloved character back. As her behavior becomes increasingly frightening, Paul realizes that he isn’t simply recovering in a remote home - he’s being held captive.

With Annie’s obsession growing more dangerous by the moment, Paul must find a way to survive a situation that has turned his own storytelling into a fight for his life.

Based on Stephen King’s gripping novel and adapted for the stage by William Goldman, Misery delivers suspense, psychological tension, and a disturbing look at what happens when admiration becomes something much darker.