Misery

I wasn’t in Misery, but I was disappointed. I was really looking forward to seeing Bruce Willis on stage– but I don’t think he should’ve been ‘moonlighting’ on Broadway. (Sorry, couldn’t resist) That’s just my humble option. Maybe he had an off night?
Laurie Metcalf was the star here– wonderful performance.
Creative set transitioning.
3 sets, 3 actors but can only give it 2 stars.

After a week of Broadway immersion we finished our 5 show tour with Misery… or should I say «Miserable», when it comes to Bruce (Bruce we know what you can do come on). Please know I think Bruce is amazing in the movies but he should stay off the stage. Lori Metcalf is really amazing and was the only saving grace of the performance. If you are coming to Broadway to see some shows there are several way better choices try Curious, Noises or Humans and you will really experience what Broadway is all about

I’d be «just another lyin’ ol’ dirty birdy» if I said I wasn’t a fan of Bruce Willis and Laurie Metcalf in the small and intimate Misery performance at Broadhurst Theatre.
The rotating stage with 3 sets for the house and pure simplicity of the Stephen King story lend themselves well to showing off the acting skills of veterans Bruce and Laurie. Both do a fine job with Metcalf shining consistently throughout while it took Willis a bit longer to make the role believable. By the end, both stars lived up to the hype and headlines.
There isn’t any real sense of fear or anticipation with Misery because all of us already know the plot and limited-​twists from the movie version. Don’t worry about that or let fear keep you from seeing two famous actors up close and in person … especially if you a «number one fan» of either. As Annie Wilkes says in Misery, «I’m your number one fan. There’s nothing to worry about. You’re going to be just fine. I will take good care of you. I’m your number one fan.»

I wanted to see this show for two reasons:
1) I LOVED the book. (Never saw the movie)
2) Bruce Willis
I enjoyed it for one reason:
1) Laurie Metcalf. She STOLE THE SHOW! I always thought she was sort of spastic on Roseanne and that quality really came in handy for this role. Brilliant! Her heart was really in it which I did not sense from the other actor.
The set was fantastic; I loved the rotating rooms.
Would I pay $ 275 per ticket to see it again? No. Wasn’t worth that much. All stars are for Laurie & the set. The content and other acting was yawn worthy.

We went to see it for Bruce Willis, but Laurie Metcalf stole the show!

Before: Loved Steven King, liked Bruce Willis, liked Laurie Metcalf,
After: Still love SK, love Laurie Metcalf, Bruce Willis, not so much.
I had really high hopes for this, very disappointed.
The show was just ok, but only because of Laurie Metcalf.
Bruce Willis was wooden and emotionless, imho.
The fear that this guy had was palpable when reading the book or even seeing the movie.
BW seemed to think he was playing one of his action hero movies, playing it cool all the way, no vulnerability at all.
While he is superb as an action hero in the movies, I guess BW just doesn’t have the range as an actor to do other things.

My cousin gave me tickets as she was unable to use them. I am so glad she did, we really liked the show!
It’s a small theatre so any seat is a good seat, however since it’s only a 2 person show you may you want to sit closer.
The sets are well done, switched a few times between the front of the house, bedroom and the whole house.
The side effects and noises are well done. And the best of it all seeing Bruce Willis who does a great job playing Paul sheldon.
If you don’t know the plot or movie you will love it, if you do know the story you will still like it.
There is no intermission as its only 1.5 hours, so good!
I am your number 1 fan Paul Sheldon.

This is something that is interesting to see. It’s kind of a spectacle. If you saw the movie, your expectations may already be high. This isn’t as good as the movie. There’s little suspense and the performances are quite different from the movie.
Laurie Metcalf is great. She’s not quite as unbalanced as Kathy Bates in the movie, but she’s definitely nuts. Bruce Willis… well, the night I saw it (the day before it officially opened) it seemed like he was reading the lines for the first time. There was little difference in inflection if he was trying to be charming or if he was scared or if he feared for his life. But, hey, it’s Bruce Willis, so there’s that.
Full price for the tix is not what I’d prefer to pay. If you can get a discount, it’s worth seeing as a curiosity.

There are many reasons you should see this play. Bruce Willis is one. Obviously it will be great because he’s in it. Laurie Metcalf also gives a slamming performance. The play basically only has two characters in it. The fact that they can entertain for 90 minutes straight (yes you should use the bathroom before the show begins) shows their natural talent.
The set rotates on the stage between the front of the house, a bedroom and a kitchen. I liked that when Laurie drove away, it literally appeared as if she was leaving because of the lights shining through the bedroom window.
Also, the music perfectly matched the tone of the play. A live orchestra would have given that final Broadway touch to the production, but either way it worked well.
I thought they did a fantastic job making the gruesome moments appear realistic. The blood and gore were perfectly represented.
Stay around after the show to get a glimpse and maybe a signature from Bruce! «I’m your #1 fan».

I was expecting greatness and received greatness. Bruce Willis’ name on the bill will suck you in but the real star of the show is for sure AUNT JACKIE! Aka Laurie Metcalf. I grew up with my mom being obsessed with the sitcom ‘Roseanne’ so there was nothing but ecstatic joy at hearing that she was playing Paul Sheldon’s number 1 fan. It’s similar in its format to the movie but hard to compare the two. Justifiably it makes a great play because most of the movie and screenplay is situated around a house and singular bedroom. Though, the set for the house was pretty technologically advanced and unique with having it rotate as characters moved from room to room, adding another layer of depth and suspense.
Very well written and witty in a sardonic way which I enjoyed immensely. It’s not overtly scary but I don’t think its really a play suitable for younger children. There was a particular key scene that Bruce actually screwed up due to his wheelchair slipping and the actors turned it around effortlessly into hilarity and a huge round of applause. The perfect play also to watch right before Halloweeny and getting into the spirit of things. This is only on Broadway for a few more weeks but I definitely recommend it. Thanks so much to Ruggy and Unilocal for the opportunity to see this!

Make no mistake, this is a hilarious comedy through and through. The Stephen King novel on which it is based is graphically scary and the movie was another terror which landed Kathy Bates an Oscar, so no pressure «Misery» on Broadway. Also, spoilers ahead.
Being familiar with the basic plot, I knew that the majority of this piece would fall on Laurie Metcalf’s shoulders and lord, did she exceed my already high expectations. She was uniquely her own in contrast to the other characterizations of Annie in other mediums. Her portrayal of a tense, crazy-​eyed number one fan (Annie Wilkes) is a singularly focused loon that looks and acts like the result of a three way between Kim Davis, a group of Mennonites and John Wayne Gacy.
Annie was not only savvy, a gifted liar and more than a smidgen vindictive, she also lets loose her crazy early on in the show, such that her eyes already screamed «Stage Five Clinger» in the first few minutes of the play. Also, and I cannot stress this enough, Annie is insanely strong and knows how to use a firearm.
Ms. Metcalf was the show and literally the only time I was bored during the play was when Bruce Willis (Paul Sheldon) spoke a few lines without the benefit of her crazy eyes boring into his soul. The show is obviously dark and as the straight man trying to placate a madwoman, Mr. Willis did a much better job than I expected as he was funnily subtle in a way I remember from «Moonlighting.»
Again, he did not stand a chance with respect to stealing the limelight because Ms. Metcalf blew it out of the water. I laughed when she took a sledgehammer to his ankles; it was bloody and gleeful in a way I knew was inappropriate, but whether it’s making Paul drink mop water or physically threatening him, Annie just made me laugh for 90 minutes straight. The set dressing, props and stage also supported a marvel of a backdrop, since the production crew managed to make a rotating stage that included a house exterior, kitchen, bedroom and dining room on what appeared to be a relatively tiny space.
Although I was luckily given tickets via Unilocal on Broadway (Thank you, Ruggy, truly), I would have easily paid full price for a ticket, since this quality of the acting and writing was through the damn roof. Although it touts a 16-​week run, that is more than enough time to do yourself a favor and go see this. It is ironically fitting that the play’s last show is on Valentine’s Day, so go see this before it’s run ends.

Any fan of the Stephen King book or film adaptation of the book will really enjoy this play. It pays homage to the book as best it can while still maintaining its theatric integrity.
Without giving away too much, author Paul Sheldon is rescued by super fan, Annie Wilks, after a car accident in a Colorado blizzard. It’s not a coincidence that Annie is his «#1 fan» and rescued him. This macabre story unfolds for 90, economical minutes, void of intermission (just how I like it).
Two thirds of this three character play were A List Bruce Willis and Laurie Metcalf. Ms. Metcalf (Aunt Jackie of Roseanne fame) really stole the show. She was really, really excellent. I highly recommend the play if only for her tremendous performance.
The play was very well acted with no surprises. It’s only on Broadway for 16 weeks, and I’m so grateful to have seen it!

Book… Movie… Play.
People do it, but you really can’t compare three different mediums to each other. It’s not fair.
As a play, which has to play to the house not a television screen, I think the production was very successful.
I loved the set. Loved. It. My favorite is was when Willis’ character breaks out of his confinement and wheels through the house. It’s like a tracking shot in a film… Okay, okay! I broke my own rule. But it’s a neat practical effect. When Willis keeps the pacing right, it’s like the house is moving around him as he stays still.
This interpretation is surprisingly funny. No, not just the part when Bruce Willis drops the envelope of crushed drugs, not once, but twice (Metcalf’s save is why I love live theater!) but there’s funny bits written in, and nervous laughter which you shouldn’t bother trying to stifle. You are not alone. The wonderful thing about theater is good actors know to give the audience space to react. Metcalf and Willis both have that kind of comedic timing. It’s a great thing that works very well here.
The production is still in previews, so there are a couple of things I would like to see ironed out. There’s something off with the suspense. Having read the book and seen the movie (I’m breaking my rule again… deal with it!) if there’s a way to highlight Paul Sheldo ‘s (you see what I did there?) drugged state, and his abject craving for that Norvril… any way to play up his pain and the dependency that it causes in slightly broader strokes, it would be perfect. Like I said before, it has to play to the house.
Metcalf’s Annie Wilkes gets right to the crazy. There’s almost no progression. I know there isn’t much time and Annie is a whole lotta crazy, but right now there’s not enough of a valley to show the peak.
I’m sure it’s going to have an amazing run regardless of my amateur critique. Mostly because it has solid performances by solid actors. Special nod to Leon Addison Brown as poor, doomed Buster. You’re a good man for not making Metcalf strain something getting your body thru that door.

I had the privilege to enjoy this production play through a last minute chance. Credits to the ruggedly handsome Manhattan Communiy Director Ruggy (nice meeting you by the way, and yes, my first Manhattan Elite Event) and the Unilocaler that cancelled out on that evening, it was an entertaining night.
If you have read the novel… have seen the movie… or have taken a glimpse of the play synopsis… and then after you see this play, never ever compare as each one is totally a different level of experience. Instead, enjoy what it offers. This is when the coinage «when you expect less, you get more! «applies. The good thing in watching it on a preview week, is that is when critics (hmm, it’s neat to be a Unilocaler!) could be very handy.
The production play is successful at its own right. Having two high caliber performing actors definitely draws the crowd to see it. It’s definitely worth watching their amazing performances and how well they worked together especially on the scene that Bruce Willis dropped the crushed drug envelope by mistake and almost fell from the wheelchair by accident, Laura Metcalf’s save was brilliant. The theater adaptation was taken by the audience as comical on most part which idealistically should be suspense. Was it because of how actors deliberated their roles? Or probably some of the audience just see it as comical? Or dialogues are more upbeat? or musical direction is not suspenseful enough to feel it? There were some segments that made me jump out of my seat. Of course for fans of the novel or movie, they preferred to have the same kinda feeling if not half of the play but at least most of the scenes. The stage setting is my most favorite. It’s rotating stage will put you on the actors shoes as if it was you who is walking through from one scene to the other. I loved the effect on the part when Bruce Willis keeps moving around the rotating house. Each scene will keep you interested and excited as to which part of the house is coming next.
The production play runs straight for 90 minutes without intermission and there were some inconsiderate audience members so annoying to stand up and take a break during the program. We were seated at rear orchestra where our seats seems to have smaller legroom as each one needs to stand up to give them a way out.
I highly recommend you to watch this play especially if you want to see Mr. Yippee Kay Yay on a theatrical live act. No cuts on any unexpected error yet the show still goes on.

It was great to watch Bruce Willis makes his Broadway debut and Laurie Metcalf was excellent, scary and funny (yes I said funny).
Was it edge-​of-​your-​seat suspense thriller? Well, not for me because I know the story. :)
I was on the edge-​of-​my-​seat because of the adaptation of Stephen King’s novel.
The performance is entertaining and the stage production is very cool (you’ll have see it yourself!).
I agreed with Karen S. that «You can’t compare three different mediums (Novel, movie and play) to each other. It’s not fair.»
I will refrain from given any detail so not to spoil it for others; if you must know read the other reviews for the full screen play.

16 weeks only. A must see! Wow, that was terrific!
As I had seen the movie so many years ago I had almost forgotten the actual storyline. I have also never read the book so this incarnation of Misery was pretty brand new to me. As a three character play spanning over 90 minutes I was enthralled for the whole ride.
Bruce Willis is, well, Bruce Willis. He just has that «it factor» and knows how to milk a roll whether it be dramatic, action, or humorous. He has a knack for ironic comic timing and did quite well portraying Paul Sheldon. The dude is a star.
Yet, the real shining star of Misery is Laurie Metcalf. She basically steals the show and most every scene she is in. As a multiple stage and screen award winner she basically embodies the psychotic character of Annie Wilkes to a T. It is fascinating to watch her go deeper and darker into crazy obsession as the play progresses. She is a fantastic and underrated talent.
I’m a fan of dark humor and this did not disappoint. As a story with such bleak overtones there was a lot of humor spread thoughout. One of the best moments was not even planned such as when Bruce had a prop malfunction with his wheelchair during a pivotol scene, and then another one in succession. The way both actors handled it as if it was a natural flow and never breaking character was amazingly funny. They earned a riotous round of applause for that moment! It was live stage magic!
Most everyone knows the story here, so lets just say there was one major scene everyone was waiting for that did not disappoint. Ankles — OUCH! There was another that also involved Sheriff Buster that «blew us and him away»! Not going to describe every scene as a few here have done already so no point in reiterating. What I suggest when seeing this is to judge it on it’s own merits and not compare it to the book and movie. Might be hard but that is the fair way in my opinion. Each is very different.
Also, the stage set was inventive as the rooms and outside setting of Annie’s house rotated in a circle. As some scenes moved to another room, it was a unique way to view it as if watching a movie being made and panning from shot to shot. Very entertaining. Sitting in the orchestra section close to the stage made for a wonderful viewpoint.
Thanks so much to Unilocal CM Ruggy, Misery, and to Unilocal for setting this up. We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed this performance. The power of live theater never ceases to amaze me!
As Annie kept proclaiming — «I’m your number one fan»!

The next time you feel a stab of self pity that you aren’t worshiped enough or famous, you’ll bless anonymity after you watch this psychological thriller. This Broadway adaptation is a less harrowing adaptation of the Stephen King novel about a writer kidnapped by his number one fan, so the faint at heart needn’t worry about charging their defibrillators when they come. In fact, there are actual moments of levity, in the archness of delivered lines, even in Metcalf’s conviviality, because by now most people do know the story and audience is in on the joke. Bruce Willis plays the writer Paul Sheldon. While I was never that impressed with his acting, he does well in this play. He makes you feel his gratitude at first, then the bafflement that becomes incredulity at his situation and later his accelerating horror as he realizes that entreaty and rationalization with a psycho does not successful parlay make. You resonate with his anguish as his desperation climbs and root for him as he turns to wily negotiations and manipulations. The gruesome events in the book that escalate are toned down here; yet you are still wondering how much physical and mental torture, terror and debasing misery a human being can endure. If you can watch and imagine this being done to another human without cringing, well, forget Unilocaling because your talents could be better employed by the cartels. Laurie Metcalf is the insanely diabolical fan Anne Wilkes who cherishes Sheldon’s fictional character, Misery. She does a splendid job. She starts off portraying meek sweetness with only glimpses of the napalm destructiveness of her rage. Later the switches from fawning docility and devastating fury become faster and more frequent. Whenever her obsequious congeniality does melt, the eruption of Anne’s anger has the feel of lye spurting forth. I worried that the play would be too dark and then thought after it was a little lightweight in showcasing the maniacal fury of Anne Wilkes unleashed. Now I think I like this lighter adaptation, because it is Broadway. I couldn’t sit through the entire movie version after reading the book. This play has cringe worthy moments, but not with the intensity in the novel to make me want to jump on stage and rescue Willis, or scare me off. It was entertaining, well acted, with moments of visceral intensity, balanced with humor. The set itself was beautifully done, employing what I call a huge lazy Susan to rotate furniture sets around so you think you are going through different rooms in the house as Paul Sheldon travels in his wheelchair. This isn’t a play for young children, but a winner for adults surely, and for anyone who thinks their lives are stunted if they aren’t famous and don’t rule Facebook and Twitter. Adulation does have a downside sometimes. Just a note of caution, if any of your friends have ever been stalked and aren’t familiar with the storyline, I would not recommend this show.
Thank you Ruggy and Unilocal,for a night on Broadway.

The Quick: No spoilers here. An entertaining, funny, suspenseful drama, starring Bruce Willis and that funny actress from Roseanne.
The Details: No over-​the-​top theatrics, just three acttors, a rotating stage, and a suspenseful plot-​line. Overall extremely entertaining and chilling. I had not read the book, it was a fun ride. If you like suspense and Bruce Willis, I recommend.
The Damage: Online it appears tickets go for ~$ 90 (including fees) and up.

The theater adaptation of Stephen King’s Misery head’s to the Great White Way. Adapted by William Goldman who also adapted the movie version the play really comes into it’s own. It’s own version separate from the novel and movie with big stars. Bruce Willis (Die Hard, Expendables, Moonlighting) as Paul Sheldon the novelist and his stalker «#1 Fan» Annie Wilkes played by Laurie Metcalf (Roseanne).
Both stars come through with amazing acting and suspense throughout the play and within a theater play atmosphere it really comes through as you are at the edge of your seat watching the thriller play out live in front of you. It comes through in this theater as well at the Broadhurst even though at times the acoustics could be better. Both actors through their interpretation of the characters and if you never saw the movie or read the novel each scene keeps you interested and if you did read or see the movie it’s a wonderful play that keeps you enthralled as it plays out live on Broadway. Highly recommended.

It’s more of a 3.5 stars for me.
I’ve been anticipating this play for a long time ever since I heard it was coming to Broadway. I’ve been a fan of Mr. Bruce Willis since he was in Moonlighting… I even saw Hudson Hawk! So when I heard Mr. Willis was coming to Broadway, I just had to see Mr. Willis in Misery, his Broadway debut.
And who doesn’t know Laurie Metcalf as Jackie from Rosanne? I love her too.
Misery is a 1987 psychological horror novel by Stephen King. It was made into a movie in 1990 starring James Caan and Kathy Bates. I remember seeing this movie in the movie theatre and how much Kathy Bates disturbed me.
Bruce Willis is playing the role of the world famous novelist, Paul Sheldon, in this play, which was James Caan’s role in the movie. Laurie Metcalf is playing the psychotic #1 fan Annie Wilkes role which Kathy Bates won the Academy Award for Best Actress from the movie.
If you’ve seen the movie, there is no surprise in this play for you. The play version is actually a more comical version. This version is not as suspenseful as the movie… then again, once you know the story, can you really build suspense? Probably not. The play felt a little flat, meaning I didn’t feel much emotions especially fear. So for me the highlight was to see Bruce Willis and Laurie Metcalf.
Only on Broadway will they turn a suspenseful thriller story into a comical story, what’s next, Misery, the musical?! I can’t wait for Misery, the musical!
I am no Bruce Willis, no James Caan and definitely not a Paul Seldon but I’ve been stalked before and it was the scariest few years of my life. Trying to recreate that creepiness is not an easy feat. I think this play needed more of that creepiness. I wanted more creepiness. It’s hard when the audience knows the story already and knows who Annie Wilkes is and knows what she is going to do, but nonetheless, loved Mr. Willis and Ms. Metcalf.
I wonder if they could have gotten Kathy Bates to do this show on Broadway?!