Stephen King's 'Misery' Comes to Life at Renovated California Theatre - Two Shows Only

SAN BERNARDINO – The California Theatre of the Performing Arts is about to trap audiences inside Stephen King's most claustrophobic nightmare, and you've got exactly two chances to experience it.

William Goldman's stage adaptation of Misery hits the newly renovated theatre October 18-19 for matinee performances only. No evening shows. No extensions. Miss this weekend and it's over.

When Your Biggest Fan Becomes Your Captor

The setup is brutal in its simplicity: Romance novelist Paul Sheldon survives a car crash in rural Colorado. His "#1 fan" Annie Wilkes rescues him and brings him to her isolated farmhouse to recover.

Then Annie reads his latest manuscript. He's killed off her beloved character, Misery Chastain.

That's when Paul realizes he's not recovering—he's captive. And Annie has no intention of letting him leave until he writes Misery back to life.

Powerhouse Cast Takes on Iconic Roles

Sarah Summers steps into the role Kathy Bates made legendary in the 1990 film, the deceptively sweet Annie Wilkes who unravels into terrifying obsession. Aaron Pyle plays Paul Sheldon, the writer who discovers too late that disappointing your superfan can be deadly. Jacob Fischer rounds out the cast as Buster, the sheriff.

Director Joseph Henson promises audiences won't leave unscathed. "This is a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat with a tremendous cast," Henson said. "You are in for a real treat."

$6 Million Renovation Debuts

Theatergoers will be among the first to experience San Bernardino's massive summer investment in the California Theatre—over $6 million in renovations including upgraded seating, sound systems, and acoustics.

Translation: You're watching Annie Wilkes lose her mind in premium comfort.

What Makes Stage Different

While the 1990 film let audiences hide behind a screen, live theatre offers no escape. No pause button. No looking away. When Annie snaps, you're trapped in the dark with her—and that's exactly what makes this adaptation so visceral.

King understood something primal when he wrote Misery: The line between admiration and obsession is razor-thin. Cross it and things get bloody.

IF YOU GO

What: Misery by William Goldman, based on Stephen King's novel
When: October 18-19, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. (matinees only)
Where: California Theatre of the Performing Arts, 562 W. Fourth St., San Bernardino
Tickets: $38.50-$75
Purchase: www.ticketmaster.com or call (909) 885-8263
Info: www.californiatheatre.net

Creative team includes Darlene Segovia (costume design), Mike Hogan (lighting design), and Robert Conrad (sound design).