The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
In ‘Misery,’ actor tackles bone-crunching fears
Playing captive author at heart of unsettling Stephen King story in Great Lakes Theater production not easiest task for Andrew May
“Misery” details what happens when successful novelist Paul Sheldon awakes in a secluded home.
In many ways, veteran Great Lakes Theatre actor Andrew May is perfect for the leading role in Great Lakes Theatre’s Midwest stage premiere of Stephen King’s thriller “Misery.”¶ The talented thespian, who last appeared on GLT’s Hanna Theatre stage at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square in 2009’s “Twelfth Night,” has been a working actor for more than three decades. His credits also include the international tour of “War Horse.” ¶ Then there’s the fact May admittedly was a bit squeamish about a certain sledgehammer scene in the William Goldman adaptation, appearing Feb. 16 through March 11 in the Hanna. The natural reaction played perfectly into his recent decision to consistently challenge himself with new roles and experiences. ¶ As for breaking a leg, or in this case, his ankles, well, that’s easier said than done for May.
“I’m the kind of person, which is why I’m even an actor, when I see something I get strong physical sense memory,” May said. “For example, when I watch children jump up and down on the playground, it hurts my knees. So when I witnessed that scene in the movie, I remember thinking, ‘I’m in agony. My ankles are broken.’”
For those who have seen the 1990 mystery/thriller, which starred Kathy Bates and James Caan, the sound effect of the iconic movie moment may still linger. “Misery” details what happens when successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon awakes in a secluded home, rescued from a car crash by his No. 1 fan, Annie Wilkes.
Soon, the convalescent discovers the nurse doesn’t have his best interests at heart. What ensues is Sheldon’s attempt to escape his captor. It’s a type of production that intrigued May.
“I always wanted to do a hostage play, but I never did,” May said. “It just hasn’t been in my cards. I’m always found those really fascinating and scary. I’m really excited.”
As far as playing Sheldon, May said he tapped into the scribe’s plight, specifically watching Annie destroy the unpublished manuscript of his new novel “Misery.” At the time, the author feels the new work is his one chance to show the world he can pen more than trashy romance novels.
“The irony is that he actually does become a better writer through this experience,” May said. “He recognizes he’s becoming the kind of the writer he wants to be.”
Something else that’s ironic about May’s return to Great Lakes Theater is it means he’ll finally be able to do “Macbeth,” which opens March 29 at the downtown Cleveland venue. The former company member was set to play the lead in Shakespeare’s classic tragedy nearly a decade ago when his back went out.
“I’ve been acting professionally for 34 year and what I want to do now are things I’ve never done,” May said. “I don’t want to retread. I want to work on something new or with someone new. I’ve never done ‘Macbeth,’ so that’s something new. And I never did a hostage play, so that’s new.
“There are all of these things I want to do. As actors, we tend to do what we can get. In my case, I’m lucky to say I want to work on things I want to work on.”