The Monster and the Muse: Albuquerque Little Theatre Brings Stephen King's Misery to the Stage

Wielding the infamous sledgehammer, Stephanie Jones stars as Annie Wilkes in Albuquerque Little Theatre's production of Misery, which runs from April 25th to May 11th.

Albuquerque Little Theatre (ALT) descends into psychological darkness this spring with its production of Misery, the dark and complex stage adaptation of Stephen King's blockbuster novel. Performing April 25 through May 11, the show is a ride of thrills—indeed, an invitation to voyeurism. But it's more than that: it challenges audiences to reconsider the thin lines between obsession and loneliness, fandom and fanaticism.

Based more closely on the acclaimed 1990 film than the original 1987 novel, Misery follows the harrowing journey of novelist Paul Sheldon. After a near-fatal car crash during a snowstorm, Sheldon is rescued—if one can call it that—by his self-proclaimed "No. 1 fan," Annie Wilkes. What begins as a nurturing act of kindness quickly spirals into a twisted captivity. When Annie discovers that Paul has killed off her beloved character, Misery Chastain, she demands he rewrite the novel—or suffer the consequences. What ensues is a tense, intimate two-hander of survival and unraveling psyches.

But don't expect pure gore and terror. According to director Lando Ruiz, this adaptation softens the story's most graphic elements to better focus on the human emotions that fuel the horror.

"It doesn't have a lot of that graphic violence of the book," Ruiz says. "We find ways to humanize and empathize with Annie."

That emotional nuance is key to ALT's interpretation. Ruiz, making his directorial debut with ALT after a decade of working behind the scenes, has experience bringing Stephen King's narratives to the stage—he previously directed Carrie: The Musical at another local theater. But for him, King's works are never just about fear.

"These shows aren't based on horror," he emphasizes. "They're dramas about characters."

Stephanie Jones, who takes on the iconic role of Annie Wilkes, agrees. At 67, Jones is no stranger to powerful, often misunderstood women on stage, having previously portrayed the formidable Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. For her, Annie is not just a villain—she's a deeply complex character shaped by isolation and grief.

"It’s my brand," Jones says. "I just have an affinity for these tough, and often in literature, misunderstood characters, villains, antagonists… and at my age, there are not that many roles that are this provocative and fascinating."

Unlike the novel, which unfolds from Paul's terrified perspective, the stage version leans heavily into Annie's inner world. "The play is much more Annie's point of view," Jones explains. "It's driven by her. You see what she's all about, whereas in the book, she's just this monster."

That shift in narrative lens aligns with ALT's season-long theme, Let Her Speak, a celebration of strong female leads in theater. From classic musicals to suspenseful dramas, ALT is intentionally selecting productions that elevate women's voices—and Annie Wilkes, terrifying as she may be, is one of the most unforgettable.

Still, this show isn't for the faint of heart. ALT recommends Misery for audiences aged 14 and older, and it carries a content warning for violence, strong language, and strobe light effects. Yes, they have the infamous sledgehammer scene, but in a way that favors theatrical tension over graphic gore.

Whether you're a Stephen King devotee or someone who typically avoids the horror genre, Misery offers more: a study of human fragility, obsession, and the blurry line between care and control. With a compelling script, a powerhouse performance from Jones, and thoughtful direction by Ruiz, ALT's Misery promises to leave audiences breathless.

Tickets are available now at albuquerquelittletheatre.org. Don't miss your chance to experience this gripping psychological drama live on stage.