Misery
Misery
By William Goldman, adapted from the novel by Stephen King
Directed by Paul J. Potenza
Oct. 14 – Nov. 8, 2026
Jaeb Theater, Straz Center
ASL Interpreter
The Nov. 1 performance will feature an ASL Interpreter.
Season Passes
Hands down, the very best way you can save money on Jobsite shows is with one of our season ticket packages.
Rush & Group Tickets
Jobsite offers special ticket discounts for group ticket sales and for special members of the community (military, seniors, etc.)
Warnings
Jobsite does not proactively offer warnings about about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have specific questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects (such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact us by email or via DM on social media.
Single Ticket Pricing
Single ticket prices vary by theater, date, and seating area and increase based on demand. Book early to avoid paying more!
Distinctions
2023 Creative Loafing Best of the Bay Winner
- Best Career Performance – Summer Bohnenkamp
2023 Creative Loafing Best of the Bay Reader's Poll
- Best Actress Finalist – Summer Bohnenkamp
2023 Theatre Tampa Bay Winner
- Outstanding Actress in a Play – Summer Bohnenkamp
2023 Creative Loafing Best of the Bay Nominated
- Best Theater Production
2023 BroadwayWorld Nominated
- Best Play
- Best Ensemble
- Best Performer in a Play – Summer Bohnenkamp
- Best Performer in a Play – David M. Jenkins
- Best Sound Design of a Play or Musical – Jeremy Douglass
What It's About
True life becomes stranger than fiction when acclaimed romance novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a wintery car crash by his “number one fan,” seemingly-kind nurse Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character. Annie forces Paul to write a new novel, but he realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it – and it does.
Originally staged four seasons ago in the 98-seat Shimberg Playhouse to great acclaim and a sold out run, Jobsite now takes over the 300-seat Jaeb Theater in what is sure to be a can’t-miss part of Spooky Season, on stage Oct. 14 – Nov. 8. Jobsite’s Hallowe’en tradition spans all the way back to 1999!
Summer Bohnenkamp’s turn as the legendary Annie Wilkes won her top acting honors from both Creative Loafing and Theatre Tampa Bay Award in a run that sold out for five straight weeks.
Jobsite Producing Artistic Director David Jenkins also returns as novelist Paul Sheldon, with Best of the Bay Award winner Troy Padraic Brooks taking over the role of Sheriff Buster. Artistic Associate Paul J. Potenza directs.
No spoilers, but this production steps up the ”wow factor” through stagecraft and effects simply not possible in the Shimberg.
We’re not a “number one fan” of offering disclaimers, but be advised this thriller features a psychopathic bibliophile whose weapons of choice include prescription drugs, soapy water, a ream of erasable typing paper, and a sledgehammer, and a captive victim who – quite understandably – uses very strong adult language.
There are no lulls in famed screenwriter William Goldman’s 90-minute stage adaptation of the Stephen King story, which Goldman himself translated into the 1990 film … [it moves] faster than snow piling up in a Colorado blizzard. – NBC New York
Production History
Jobsite first produced Misery, directed by Paul J. Potenza, Mar. 17 – Apr. 9, 2023, in the Shimberg Playhouse.
About The Writers
William Goldman (Playwright, 1931 – 2018) was one of the most influential and successful writers of his generation. Film credits include Masquerade, Harper, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Stepford Wives, All the President’s Men, The Princess Bride (based on his novel of the same name), Last Action Hero, The General’s Daughter, Marathon Man (based on his novel of the same name) and many, many others. He co-wrote two plays with brother James Goldman: Blood, Sweat, and Stanley Poole and A Family Affair. As a novelist, Goldman has penned several American classics including but not limited to Soldier in the Rain (1960), Father’s Day (1971), Magic (1976), The Color of Light (1984) and The Silent Gondoliers (1984). He has also written many articles for acclaimed publications on the topic of screenwriting and several non-fiction books, including The Season: A Candid Look at Broadway (1969) and Adventures in the Screentrade: A Personal View of Hollywood and Screenwriting (1983). Awards include Academy Award, Writers Guild Award and British Academy Award, for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 1969; Academy Award and Writers Guild Award, for All the President’s Men, 1976. Education: Oberlin College, Ohio, B.A. 1952; Columbia University, New York, M.A. 1956.
Stephen King (Author) was born in Portland, Maine, in 1947, the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. He made his first professional short story sale in 1967 to Startling Mystery Stories. In the fall of 1971, he began teaching high school English classes at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels. In the spring of 1973, Doubleday & Co. accepted the novel Carrie for publication, providing him the means to leave teaching and write full-time. He has since published over 50 books and has become one of the world’s most successful writers. King is the recipient of the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to the American Letters and the 2014 National Medal of Arts. Stephen lives in Maine and Florida with his wife, novelist Tabitha King. They are regular contributors to a number of charities including many libraries and have been honored locally for their philanthropic activities. Critic Reviews (2023)
Top-notch performances … Jobsite Theater is in its element here … Misery goes off without a hitch. — BroadwayWorld
Misery is a delight, a wonderfully dark and caustically funny examination of celebrity, creativity, and the deep impact that fictional characters can have on real people … a rollicking production that welcomes your nostalgia and then upends your expectations, making the familiar feel fresh and new. – Creative Loafing
... dynamic performances ... [Bohnenkamp] owns this role ... [Jenkins gives] an intensely physical performance, and you feel his pain. – Tampa Bay Times
News
Cast & Crew
- Paul J. Potenza – Director
Cast
- Summer Bohnenkamp – Annie Wilkes
- Troy Brooks – Sheriff Buster
- David M. Jenkins – Paul Sheldon
Crew
- Jo Averill-Snell – Lighting Designer
- Jeremy Douglass – Composer
- Justin Forthuber – Sound Engineer
- Chris Giuffré – Scenic Designer
- Shawna Hopper – Second Assistant Stage Manager
- Reuben Hirsh – Master Electrician / Light Operator
- Roz Potenza – Costume Designer
- Blake Smallen – Assistant Stage Manager
- Nicole Jeannine Smith – Stage Manager
Production
- David Jenkins – Producing Artistic Director
- Greg Newcomb – Key Art
- Shawn Paonessa – Online Producer
- Jena Rashid – Producing Associate
- Nicole Jeannine Smith – Producing Associate
- Ava Zientek – Directing Apprentice
- Paul J. Potenza – Director
- Emily Belvo – Assistant Director
Cast
- Summer Bohnenkamp – Annie Wilkes
- Josh Goff – Sheriff Buster
- David M. Jenkins – Paul Sheldon
Crew
- Jessie Dorsey – Stage Manager
- Connor Averill-Snell – Assistant Stage Manager
- Brian Smallheer – Scenic Designer, Technical Director
- Jo Averill-Snell – Lighting Designer
- Max Allen, James Swallow – Electricians
- Teah Banks – Properties
- Jeremy Douglass – Composer
- Brianna McVaugh – Fight Director
- Sofia Isabella Pickford – Assistant Stage Manager
- Roz Potenza – Costume Designer
- Julia Rifino – Scenic Artist
Patron Reviews
Confession: I’ve never read Stephen King’s MISERY or seen the movie. Strange, I know. 
So when I attended Jobsite Theater’s [preview], I had absolutely no idea how the story would unfold. And that made the evening very exhilarating! We have a stellar professional theater company right here in our hometown, taking on a demanding Stephen King thriller with a talented cast and impressive stagecraft. Come out, support Jobsite Theater, and enjoy this production of MISERY! – Kathy Hankenson
We really enjoyed it. It’s my mom’s favorite book she was so excited.” – Kayleyy Jewel
Holy shit wow. incredible performance. You guys nailed it!!! I’ve never seen or read Misery before, wow, bravo! – Ev Frederick
What an incredible performance! My friends who accompanied me had never seen a professional theatre show before, and they both said it was a wonderful introduction for them … Everyone deserves commendation for the marathon that this show is. – Jessie Dorsey
show so fiya @jobsitetheater – thank you!” – @madison.pulica
A great production. Saw it last night and enjoyed it immensely. Summer plays crazy way too easy. 
– Harry Carlock-Garcia
Come see MISERY- stellar performance. – Mimi Topke
Spectacular! The play was breathtaking. David and Summer were amazing! I highly recommend that you go see it! – Jimmy Cherry
We absolute loved it last night! Y’all killed it! – Samantha Elizabeth
We went for dress rehearsal. It was highly entertaining! Better than the movie. – Stuart Morton
So good, even better this time!!! – Pamela Surovich
Great production and fantastic performances. – Donna Marie
Once again Jobsite did not disappoint. What an incredible production. Just when I think I can’t be more impressed, they do it. Incredible job, great performances. I love Jobsite. – Mark Axley
VERY well done all around by cast and crew. – Ian Smith
What a great show!!!!! – Cassie Smalls
Terrific show! The sound and lighting are also amazing! Loved it! – Lorinda Samson
Amazing all around! Well done – Angela KZ
Excellent acting today! Never disappoint! Bravo, Jobsite Theater 
– Beth Weekes
The show is fantastic, David and Summer have amazing stage chemistry in their banter. The real surprise show stealer is the lighting. The tech crew is giving it their all with lighting in this show. – Belinda Zientek
Stephen King’s MISERY @jobsitetheater is a must see! – @simply__k.i.m
It was great, the acting was Broadway quality. – Michael Murphy
Loved it – David Warner
Amazing show … We loved every minute! – Annie Malmstrom
Your finale was riveting. Thank you for a wonderful night – Alan Koenig
Go see this play — so good! – @thediscodolls
The ABSOLUTE BEST!!! – @soniaforthuber
WOW!! SO AMAZINGLY GOOD!! … Cheers Jobsite!! AH-MAZING WORK!! – @dsmonge
Misery was even better this time! – Susan Martelli
Sooo thrilling, hilarious, scary! – Christa Hardin
My jaw was on the floor at so many points throughout the show – absolutely gripping. Summer played the role of Annie Wilkes to perfection – even better if that is possible. I could not pull my eyes from her … the whole layout, was masterful – you really have to accomplish quite a bit in such a tiny space – but that is your mastery at work … I had to chuckle because the fella sitting next to me kept dropping his program with each shocking scene. – Stephanie Arthur-Tannenbaum, PhD
Great show last night! The company must be so excited about the level of community support this year, and we’re glad to be part. – Michael Brooks
Brilliant; adjective 1. shining brightly; sparkling; glittering; lustrous: 2. distinguished; illustrious: 3. having or showing great intelligence, talent, quality, etc. 4.strong and clear in tone; vivid; bright: 5. splendid or magnificent: I can not think of a more perfect word and example of last night’s performance. The onstage chemistry between Summer (Annie) and David (Paul) was palpable They had me, and the rest of the audience, on the edge of our seats from beginning to end. Yes and I do want to apologize for my loudly, audible yelp at one dramatic point in the show. 🤷♀️ I also want to give a shoutout to the light and sound people as well as to the back stage “ninjas”. Your timing was masterly done and in no small part added to the intensity and perfection of the show. Bravo Jobsite! BRAVO! 🎭 -SusanneDockery
I just saw this and it was phenomenal loved this performance and was on the edge of my seat. – @elyssa_thecreativbespark
It was fantastic! The actors were brilliant. – Tanya Abresch
This show is incredible! – Shelley Provost
Fantastic!!!! Best show I’ve seen in a long time – Eileen Stafford
Great job! – Sharon Smallheer
We saw it last night… every moment from the beginning to the end was and edge-of-my-seat thriller … spectacular show with top notch acting. Thoroughly enjoyed the program – bravo! 👏👏👏👏👏 – StephanieArthur-Tannenbaum
A must see performance! – Daniel Forthuber
This was excellent! The actress who plays Annie played crazy well! I am so glad I saw this production. – Joshua Jones
It was AMAZING!! Kudos Jobsite for the incredible talent! – Pamela Surovich
Fantastic show! The acting was memorable – Leslie Farrell
Totally incredible show! – Dona Haag
Awesome show! – Michael Douglas
INCREDIBLE SHOW! 👏 – @thelittlegoodcyberfriend
Very impressive cast. Captured the spirit without simply copying the film. – @kiss_j_haards_converse
A true team effort for this fantastic performance. Kudos to you all! – Isaias Gonzalez
