At Stage Left, the black box theater tucked inside Eugene’s Very Little Theatre, audiences are in for a chilling ride.
The latest production to take the stage is "Misery," adapted from the Stephen King novel that inspired the iconic 1990 film. With fewer than 100 seats, and a set that mimics the feeling of being stuck in a backwoods cabin, the space creates a sense of isolation that serves the story well.
“It’s so intimate and you’re right there with the action," said director Adam Leonard. "You can’t escape it because it’s right there in your face."
Leonard said he's been a "lifelong fan" of Steven King.
"I’m huge into (the horror genre) and when I found out there was a stage version of 'Misery,' I just thought that would be a really cool and interesting show to direct,” Leonard said. “There’s some really great characters in it.”
This version of "Misery" isn’t trying to imitate the film. Instead, it leans into its theatrical setting with a fresh interpretation.
“We basically decided to go with our own vision. Luckily, I have three incredibly talented actors who took the role, made it their own, and did something completely different,” he said. “I think we did a really great job in presenting 'Misery' in a way that is something new and original.”
Leonard believes the play has the power to draw in people who might not typically attend live theatre.
“My big obsession in theatre is I kind of like to explore the crossroads of where popular culture and traditional media meet…I think in that there’s a chance to get a bunch of people into a theatre that maybe haven’t gone and seen a show and normally wouldn’t see a show,” he said. “If they see something like 'Misery,' that might tempt a non-theatre goer to actually come into the theatre.”
Leonard has looked forward to putting this play into production for several years, and he’s excited to finally share his vision with the community.
“It’s really funny at certain points, and really, really horrific at other points,” he said. “It’s almost like a carnival fun house. We got so many weird things that we cooked up, that I just can’t wait to see what the audience thinks when they encounter it for the first time!”
Misery runs at The Very Little Theatre from Friday, May 9, through Sunday, May 25.
