Hollywood action legend Bruce Willis, who is primarily known for gun-slinging and grenade-tossing characters in most of his films, will be starring in his first Broadway appearance in the theater adaptation of one of Stephen King's horror classics, "Misery." The play is directed by Will Frears and will begin its run on Nov. 15 at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City, as reported by horror review site Arrow In The Head.
King's psychological horror novel, released in 1987 and in 1990, was brought to the big screen by James Caan and Kathy Bates. The latter earned an Oscar award for her superb performance in the film. Both novel and film became a huge favorite among horror novel fans and moviegoers.
Willis stars as Paul Sheldon, the character Caan portrayed in the film, opposite Laurie Metcalf as Annie Wilkes, played by Bates in the movie.
Sheldon is a novelist who gets involved in a car accident during a blizzard and is rescued and cared for by Wilkes, who claims to be his ultimate fan. Sheldon soon realizes that the woman caring for him is a deranged and obsessive person who is out of touch with reality, and Sheldon attempts to escape from Wilkes at any cost.
Frears said both actors are a delight to watch on stage, especially Willis, whose performance was described as thrilling by the director.
"Laurie is a performing animal and Bruce is a machine through the middle, so you get this wonderful contrast where it becomes orchestral," Frears said. "They play their talents in different ways, delightfully, so that they're both there in concert with each other."
Critic Matt Donato pointed out that while both actors were superb on stage, Metcalf seemed to overshadow Willis with her acting.
"It's not a situation of 'good vs. bad,' but instead 'good vs. better,' as Metcalf finds herself exploding with fanatical ferocity," Donato wrote in his column. "Willis is restricted to a bed or wheelchair most of the play, and it's Metcalf's job to keep the audience intrigued - something she does rather well."
As for the iconic sledgehammer to the ankles scene, Frears told fans to watch the theater run to really feel the pain and live the moment.
