NaTusha Howard, playing the part of Sheriff Buster, and Sasha Hildebrand — playing the part of the writer's captor, Annie Wilkes — rehearse a scene Wednesday for the upcoming Theatre Longview production of "Misery" by Stephen King. (Jordan Green/Longview News-Journal Photo)

From staff reports

Theatre Longview is set to bring the Stephen King thriller “Misery” by William Goldman to the Longview Community Center stage — just in time for the spooky season.

“Misery” begins as successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon (played by Josh Carpenter) is rescued from a car crash by his “No. 1 fan,” Annie Wilkes (played by Sasha Hildebrand), and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads the manuscript to his newest novel and becomes enraged when she discovers he has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain.

Annie forces Paul to write a new “Misery” novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere.

The play is based on King’s 1987 novel of the same name, which also was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film starring Kathy Bates and James Caan.

This psychological thriller is directed by Michael K. Ward, a veteran of the theatre and educator from Tyler who has directed more than 75 productions.

“This production of ‘Misery’ promises to be unlike any you have ever seen keeping close with Stephen King’s original vision,” Ward said. “With an amazing technical crew and professional actors, you will laugh, cry, and jump out of your skin. It’s going to be a crazy experience that you don’t want to miss.”

The cast is led by Hildebrand, who has been acting and directing professionally for many years, including with the Texas Shakespeare Festival, along with Carpenter, who recently returned to East Texas after years of professional acting in New York City, and local actress NaTusha Howard.

“After the extensive set showcased in their summer musical, Theatre Longview is bringing another innovative set to the LCC stage,” according to information from Theatre Longview. “Volunteers have been working under the guidance of Steven Lane Jr. on a rotating set for this production with scenic artistry by Melody Calhoun.”

The set is “one of the most intriguing visual effects Theatre Longview has done,” Lane said. “The set features a rotating flooring system, so the audience can capture each room as the scenes change. Patrons will be engrossed in the action, and feel as if they are in the room with Paul and Annie.”

The production will feature a free opening night reception at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24, which will feature wine as well as cheesecake donated by Cheesecake Lane.

Performances are set 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24, 25 and 26 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Longview Community Center, 500 E. Whaley St.

Because of intense situations and language, Theatre Longview recommends this production for ages 16 and older.

“Theatre Longview encourages patrons to purchase tickets in advance due to the possibility of sell-out performances after two of their ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ performances sold out,” according to information from Theatre Longview.

The company’s next production will be “Shakespeare in Love,” based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, adapted for the stage by Lee Hall, and directed by Sasha Hildebrand.

Auditions are set Nov. 2 and 3 at the Longview Community Center, with performances Feb. 13 to 16.

Tickets can be purchased at theatrelongview.com.

For more information about Theatre Longview, follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram.