I'm Your Number One Fan (Derby Dinner Playhouse)
Misery
By William Goldman
Based on the novel by Stephen King
Directed by Tina Jo Wallace
Review by Kate Barry
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
When a famous writer is rescued from a nearly fatal car crash by a stranger, he is nursed with great care but quickly learns this compassionate stranger is dangerous. Will this injured writer make it out alive? First a novel, then a hugely successful thrill of a movie starring Kathy Bates and James Caan, Misery eventually made its way to the stage. Currently at Derby Dinner Playhouse, Misery packs a suspenseful punch.
The setting designed by Ronnie Breedlove creates a false sense of quaint, cozy comforts. The remote farm home consumes the stage with a bed ever present. The ordinary house with outdated furniture further escalates a tone of isolation. Dark shadows and red lighting are used effectively well as tension grows. Manic piano interludes are perfectly placed creating unsettling accents between scenes. With audience surrounding the stage, the action is all consuming and captivating whether you are familiar with the story or this is the first time with Stephen King’s work.
Every good scary story needs a good monster and Elizabeth Loos as Annie Wilkes is exceptional. Loos’ Annie is morally rigid yet insecure and unassuming. Driven by staunch Christian values and pressure to “do good” at all times, Loos never falters as the number one fan. Assuming a caretaker role, Loos’ Annie provides misdirects and manipulation at every pass. She adores the writer in her care but her fear of abandonment drives her to control his every move. Loos does well to ground Annie’s humanity in anxious low self-esteem which is evident in her “always been a fighter” speech. Providing a sweet demeanor to Justin Jackson’s inquisitive and perceptive Sherriff Buster, Loos brings a performance that is chaotically driven, manic and deeply rooted in pain.
As the famous writer, Tom Luce’s Paul is a logical foil for Annie. Quick on his feet with a joke and always scheming for a way to escape, Luce brings a desperate need to understand his lonely captor. Luce is believable with Paul’s physical limitations as he slowly heals from a car crash, experiences torture and attempts to escape several times. Loos and Luce share lighter moments as Annie is eager to please. These lighter, more comedic moments shine light on the surreal nature of the situation. As Loos’ Annie yammers on about her religious upbringing, avoiding curse words and other such filth, Luce’s Paul is a worthy straight man with incredulous line delivery.
Luce and Loos strongest moments are shared within Annie and Paul’s struggle for control. While Luce’s Paul fights for survival, Loos’ Annie is desperate to win his love. This struggle fuels the suspenseful moments. Annie constantly reminds Paul that she saved his life in turn forcing acts of torment, Loos and Luce do well to slowly escalate tension. Paul is forced to burn his only manuscript, attempts to poison Annie and is intimidated into re-writing the plot to Annie’s liking. The suspense reaches a boiling point as Annie commits a horrendous act of violence after Paul attempts to escape. The stage combat and moments of body horror are well timed and very believable. As this is a thriller, scenes involving pain and torture are staged with effective jaw dropping results. Loos and Luce let the power struggle explode with a vivid fight scene that nearly destroys the writer and his captor.
Misery at Derby Dinner Playhouse is an up close experience for horror and Stephen King fans alike. The play overflows with suspenseful edge, perfect for this spooky time of year. Annie Wilkes may look ordinary but she is capable of truly terrifying acts. You don’t want to miss this genuine monster story.
Misery
Derby Dinner Playhouse
September 30-November 8 2026
525 Marriott Drive
Clarksville, IN 47129
812-288-8281
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