Variety: Warner Bros. Theater Ventures' stage adaptation of "Misery" is gearing up for its first public showcase, skedding a brief 11-perf run at the Bucks County Playhouse, the newly revitalized regional theater in New Hope, Penn.
William Goldman, screenwriter of the 1990 film based on the 1987 Stephen King novel, pens the legit incarnation, a play to be directed by Will Frears. Warner Bros. Theater Ventures, Castle Rock Entertainment (producer of the film) and Playhouse Prods. present the world preem.
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Interesting to see Bucks County, located in the nether region of Northeast Pennsylvania, was chosen for the world premiere of a play by a Warner Bros. production company. I wonder if they are trying to develop the play not for Broadway but for the Regional circuit and then maybe Broadway. Bucks County can provide feedback from a smaller community. If the show tanks it could be easily swept under the rug away from critics of bigger markets. But if it does well it could attract curious theater goers who would brave the commute from Philadelphia or North Jersey - both are familiar with New York.
I am always hesitant when blockbuster hits are re-made for the stage. Misery is such a scary yet really enjoyable movie, Caan and Bates are still recognized for it. Whoever knows if these motion pictures will make it on the stage. I agree with Matt in that, it is probably a reason they chose such a 'small town' to launch it. Part of me would be interested to see it just because since it is such a thriller, I would wonder the fear would translate. That would be the deciding factor I think, in whether or not this show made it. I also wonder if they chose Bucks County instead of a myriad of other lesser known areas because it sounds like one of those places like where "Misery" or something would actually take place. As a side note, when I was double checking that it was James Caan in the movie, I learned that Lauren Bacall plays Caan's agent, go figure.
I don't typically like when movies become stage shows. That may just be me, as I'm also the type of person who doesn't like seeing books become movies. I'd much rather see something original being produced or created. It seems like that is something that is lacking in today's world- originality.
That being said, I would be interest to see what comes of this. Theater isn't a genre in which you see thrillers or gorry horror stories. When you do, they're typically comedic takes on the story, i.e. Evil Dead: The Musical or Silence: The Musical. There are a lot of things you can do in movies with special effects, computer generation, and camera angles that you just can't do in live theater. How will the moment when the main character gets his ankles broken with a sledge hammer translate to the stage? There is also a lot of fire in the movie which is an important part of the plot. I am interested to see how the audience will receive the play.
This topic sounds so familiar- not just because it is a growing trend that movies have been turned into theater, but I remember hearing about this film possibly being produced onstage.. I was just as excited then as I am now! Granted, I fear that a lot of this production will be banking and relying on the title it carries, I hope for the best. I never saw Misery the movie, but have always had a huge urge to watch it- even more so with the play! The plot itself is so twisted that I think it can carry over well to stage. I think this show could be a hit or miss, I feel like the content will make it wonderful- and I agree with Matt, if it is indeed a flop I am happy that this show is starting on a smaller more intimate scale. I just hope this is not a repeat of Carrie: the Musical. I have high hopes- best of luck!
The concept of Misery as a stage production seems like a logical step- small cast, single location, strong aging female lead, well known story and famous author. I imagine that if this show is mildly successful I think it will have a long run in community theatres all across America. The only issue is that no will ever compare to Kathy Bates.
Hopefully they choose actors who can pull off these characters onstage. Misery as a film took me two viewings to like it and three to love it. However the actors' performances were great and Bates really brought her character to life.
I wonder why they haven't mentioned the names of the cast as yet. It would be interesting to see who they give the roles to. I would definitely be interested in seeing the play because it is possible to make a good movie great onstage. You just have to invest the energy in adapting it and making it stage worthy, which I assume is why they intend to perform it.
The audience's expectations from the film will be this shows biggest challenge, therefore whoever is casted must be able to match the fans of Misery's expectations and then surpass them. However it is possible and I'd love to see it... once no one starts singing or dancing!! Should be interesting to watch.
It'll be interesting to see who is cast in this production and how it'll be received. It's a good choice to be made into a stage show and I'm very glad to see that it's not being made into a musical. It's also nice to see out of town and exploratory productions at smaller venues that can hopefully do the show justice. This will be another show to keep an eye on.
I don't know how well horror or thrillers transfer to the stage. Yes, yes we all know Carrie! was a flop. Silence! The Musical, while a parody has been successful. I don't really know of very many horror or thriller plays, except for some monster classics. How successful are these types of productions? Is there an audience for this genre?
I think a thriller could translate better then a horror movie. It has to be done right. its all about the build up of suspense. Its a lot easier in movies, because you can use camera angles and shots. Its harder when all you have is the stage with just one view. Also you have to do gore right. If you don't it just ruins the whole thing.
Dale is right that this movie is a good one too adapt due to its one location. And it will be hard to imagine someone else to play Kathy Bates role. Thats a mojor problem with converting movies; there is always someone/something its being compared to and psychologists say what you see first is the one you like the most...
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