The Actors Guild of Parkersburg will be presenting “Misery,” a stage adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic thriller, running from Sept. 13 to Sept. 22 at the Guild theater in downtown Parkersburg. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The Actors Guild of Parkersburg will be presenting “Misery,” a stage adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic thriller, running from Sept. 13 to Sept. 22.

Show dates are Friday, Sept. 13, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15, at 2:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 22, at 2:30 p.m.

The production is sponsored by First Settlement Physical Therapy. Opening night tickets will be available at half price. Tickets are available at https://www.actors-guild.com/buy-tickets.html or by calling 304-485-1300.

Directed by David Grande, “Misery” follows the story of successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, only to wake up captive in her secluded home. As Annie becomes enraged over the fate of her favorite character, Misery Chastain, she forces Paul to write a new novel under her terrifying control. Paul quickly realizes that Annie has no intention of letting him go, and he must write as if his life depends on it –because it does.

This production has been carefully crafted to bring the suspense and intensity of Stephen King’s story to life on stage, according to Grande. The cast and crew have worked tirelessly to create a performance that will captivate audiences and keep them on the edge of their seats.

The production staff includes Grande, Assistant Director Jane Mancini, Stage Manager Dayna Cooper, Production Assistant Nora Corra, Technical Director Nathan Arnold, and Advisor Dixie Showalter.

The cast features Ike Eastwood as Paul Sheldon, Jaliyah Townsend as Annie Wilkes, and Danny Bayer.

Townsend shared her approach to the character of Annie Wilkes.

“At the beginning of the rehearsal process, a professor from Marietta College provided an analysis of the characters, which really jump-started my portrayal of Annie.

“The cast and crew have been spectacular — supportive, kind, and dedicated. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people.”

Eastwood shared his thoughts on his portrayal of Paul Sheldon.

“The most challenging part of playing Paul has been navigating the shifting emotions throughout the play,” he said. “It’s an honor to bring this character to life.”

“Misery” is rated AGP-R and is intended for adult audiences due to mature themes and language. The production contains strong language, stage violence and gore, guns, gunshots (theatrical blanks), and other theatrical effects. The play is a one-act production with an estimated run-time of just under 90 minutes and will be performed without an intermission.